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A Morning View From the Wood Stove

How often do we try to fix another person with something other than what they are crying out for? Perhaps we do not really hear or understand. Obviously we do not give someone something that is going to do serious harm and damage, but I wonder why if someone is asking for love do we withhold it from them? What about the one with self-esteem issues seeking approval do we not share? There is a fine line between sharing and enabling, but there can become a great chasm when someone is not nurtured and properly cared for. 

I remember a former football player of mine that all he wanted was to be nurtured, recognized and cared for. He felt less than others because he could not live up to their expectations. He was rejected by his birth father while being greatly loved by his step father, yet it was not enough. I was young and I missed all the cries for what he needed. In fact my humor had a negative impact on him and his mother shared this with me. I quickly corrected my humor and attitude because I truly did not desire to do any harm. I just thought I was being funny. I gave him something that hurt him and did not share with him what he was seeking and needing. 

A few years after high school, he killed himself. 

Was it my fault? No. Did I make a positive difference in his life? I will never know. What I do know is that I was not living my life being Jesus in skin to the best of my ability. I withheld what he was asking for because I "knew" what was best for him. 

Please listen and try to understand and respond as Jesus. 

“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”  - Matthew 7:9-12 NLT

Peace,
PB 










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