For your consideration…..
…we can do. “We can lead a horse to water but not make him drink.”
We’ve all heard that saying, probably even used it. Our message today is actually this, “You can provide the flashlight but not force someone to use it.”
Today is about our spirit and the spirit of others. It is about our life purpose and the life purpose of others. Loving and caring for others is key to who we are and how we grow. And so is personal responsibility. That line between helping and harming can be very thing.
We can and should help our partners, children, friends, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances and strangers. it is the goal of teachers to provide the flashlight of confidence, curiosity, leaning tools etc. that makes students want to turn on that flashlight and move toward enlightenment. knowledge and wisdom.
Helping others, making their life easier is natural for nurturers. For those who are goal oriented, we naturally want to help others set and move towards their own goals. Sometimes it is easier to solve problems for others versus giving them the flashlight or tools to do it for themselves.
That is the thin line….knowing when to be the problem solver versus giving the one who should be solving the problem the tools to do it for themselves. Not every one is goal oriented. It is a life lesson they have to find a way to master. Not every one wants to solve their own problems. They are perfectly content to pass their power and control to someone else so that they will it done for them. When they do that, they can not grow. They will stay rooted in place.
For those of us who are comfortable with power and control, it is imperative that we never take others away. That is a part of our own life tests and lessons. Just because it is easier to be the problem solver for others does not mean it is right. Just because we can, does not mean we should. Sometimes we just have to give someone the flashlight, point them in the right direction and walk away. It is up to them to turn the flashlight on and start taking steps into the light.
This message in no way is meant to minimize the angst we feel in “letting go.” Indeed, it may be some of the hardest things we ever have to do. But we can not be someone else’s crutch. We can not set their goals. We can not grow for them. Only they can make the choices they need to fulfill their life purpose.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Be a tool and not a crutch.
What made me smile yesterday….
-A chill morning.
-A very productive afternoon working in my basement.
-Dinner with Bob and Bruce.
-Mac had a terrific softball tournament.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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