How much responsibility do I bear when it comes to my fellow traveler? Are there clear cut limits that I can see, acknowledge, and use as an explanation with things are at the end? Do the answer to either of these question change if I know the person? What if they are part of my immediate family?
Everywhere I look I can see relationships deteriorating. Marriage and long term partnerships are on the verge of collapse. Employees are angry and frustrated with their co-workers and or employers. Friends have lost sight of what bound them together in days gone by. Children are angry at their parents and their siblings. Nobody seems to understand another.
Can I sit by and do nothing? Is a non-decision a reasonable answer?
Ironically the answer comes in what others have done for me. It is as if they knew the proverb and had taken it into their tactical arsenal. “The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.” (Proverbs 18.6)
When I have spoken without thinking they have pulled me aside and gently echoed my words back to me. When I have stated by my actions things that seems inconsistent then they have confronted me with the reality of the present. When perceptions of those around me conflict with what they believe my motives to be, they have quietly and discreetly pulled me aside and had a heart to heart conversation.
I do not know how others might feel under these circumstances; I do know that I place a priceless tag on these actions. These relationships have given me something of value that you cannot buy or acquire in any other way than through friendship. With this I can do something, otherwise I would travel on in blindness.
You and I are part of a special family. We are children of God. Too often we lose our way and find it difficult to come home. We can make a difference in each others journey, if we choose. This is, I believe, our highest call to action.
