The story...
So, I was uncomfortable with the pain that another was going through. It seemed like I was "helping" them by working out a plan for their life, giving them that subtle suggestion, that tearful hug, that offer to help, that vision of who I think they might be if they would just... If it were me, or when I was in a situation like that, I would... The offer was to live vicariously through me and not try to work it out on their own - "you just aren't capable of 'winning' in the game of life on your own - you need me."
It's a good thing to see a person grow from dependence, to independence, and then on to interdependence - a fully functioning independent member of community. There are many people that think it's just too risky to let others live their lives without their co-management, influence, and control - "you need me!" Who might they have been if they were respected and shown the dignity necessary for them to work out their own life alongside others?
Nobody wants to see people struggle within the only church in town. Many think they're called to interfere and counsel others toward their version of the life style that they too are trying to live as they oughta. Might they be advising them away from the narrower good path and on towards the wider and well worn "safer" path?
They're God's kids - he desires a fully-functioning relationship with them. Why not rest and let them?
Just for today...
"Today I suspect that adversity has value I hadn't previously recognized. When I face adversity and deal with my problems or express my feeling, things have a chance to improve . . . finally begun living life on life's terms." Courage to Change (p. 139)
"He was a mechanical puppet, powered by his wife's determined will . . . it was the only way the poor man could escape from the terrible domestic powerhouse." One Day at a Time (p. 139)
"I need to respect their right to choose, free of my interference, judgment, and control." Hope for Today (p. 139)
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