The story...
Our dog buddy was old and sick. We loved him. We took him to the vet and they confirmed that his life was ending. I held him while he breathed his last. My eyes are watering as I recall those moments. I wasn't okay - the reality of death stinks. It shouldn't be that way, but it was.
If I can't be okay unless all those who I care about are okay then I'll never be okay. Surely, its logical that the best way for me to be helpful for others is to come from a place of strength, peace, and "okayness."
What does it take to be okay? Maybe its being honest about my past, present, and future - more humble. Maybe it takes working on meaningful relationships while allowing the other person(s) to be truthful and okay as they are. "Okayness" that isn't based on reality seems fragile and temporary at best.
Funerals shine a big light on the reality of this game of life. If your saving faith in God's provision for your today, and eternity, is weak then it takes a bit of pretending to be okay. The only church in town will mourn at the death of one of their own yet the funeral will profess their reason for hope and "okayness." Yes, I'm okay in Christ - God said so, I believe so, and I'll walk today in that reality. It could've been different but it isn't.
Just for today...
"Because my fate - my very life - was no longer tied directly to theirs, I was able to accept them for who they were and to listen to their ideas and concerns without trying to exercise control." Courage to Change (p. 199)
"Though I was attempting in good faith to arrive at an agreeable solution, I was repeatedly met with sarcasm. After a time I said that if the sarcasm persisted, I would not participate any further . . . I gained respect from the other person when I matched my intentions with my actions." Hope for Today (p. 199)
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