It’s interesting to see how God leads me along this path.  There is order and purpose to the steps even when I don’t see it at first.  In the last few weeks he’s been revealing some things to me about myself that I need to own up to.  I need his healing hand at work on some dysfunctions.

I had a conversation with a good friend recently in which he told me to be careful not protect people I love from their weaknesses…that it is actually a disservice and not a loving or helpful behavior.  I was a little confused but took it to the Lord.  “What is he talking about?” I asked God, “Specifically how do I do that, try to protect my loved one in their weakness.”  I also immediately wished I could sit down and have a heart to heart with my sister, Jodi, who is very perceptive and good at analyzing people’s behaviors and the reasons why they probably behave a certain way.

Well, I finally got my wish.  My sis sent me a buddy pass to come see her and I did that this week, flying out to sunny Arizona for a blissful 4 days with her and her sweet family.  We had much time to just sit and talk, walk and talk, drive around and talk.  It was exactly what we both needed.  We often find, in our visits, that we are learning similar lessons from God or dealing with things in similar fashion.  I shared my conversation with her and asked her what she thought my friend meant by me not protecting a loved one in their weakness.  She helped me to see that shielding someone from facing natural consequences of their behavior is not really a help.  It actually enables them to continue in their weakness and not be motivated to change and grow.    A light started coming on….ohhhhhhh. Continue reading →