Much as I would like to think differently, I have learned over time that all our beautiful, quieting spiritual practices cannot keep us from the need to think through the hard places in our lives. Like it or not, sometimes we have to think hard thoughts…and act upon them, and, sadly, no one can do this for us. Our practices give us strength and clarity, but no one can say the definitive words we will have to say, and no one can take action for us. If we defer to another’s greater fortitude and well-meaning helpfulness, we won’t be dodging a bullet. We’ll just be emptying the bullets out of our own gun, and next time a hard place comes up, we’ll feel more defenseless and vulnerable than ever.
"Wake up!"
I know a lovely young woman who is thinking over hard thoughts about an off-again, on-again relationship she is up against. She knows that if she lets it slide again, it will only come back sooner or later for eventual resolution. How I wish I could just slap some folks alongside the head and say, “Wake up!”…but I can’t. What I can do is be one of the silent supporters for whatever is needed.
Somehow we make it through them...
This is the good part about doing the hard stuff. Most of us have friends, family or personal communities on hand to walk alongside when the footsteps are needed. All those kindnesses we have done over the years, lying as buds quietly in our hearts, burst into bloom when we turn to our tribe for a little light and understanding. Good to know. Hard places come…and go…and somehow we make it through them.
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