I have two emails waiting in my inbox for my action. In both cases, I am being asked to give advice. While the situations are very different, there is a common question that links the two together; “What should I do…?”.
In both cases there are things that I know. First, I cannot answer the question for anyone! I often struggle with answering it when it is my decision to take. I hold the belief that individual freedom is a sacred gift that should never be borrowed, manipulated, or stolen. We can support, nurture, and help where asked. I cannot find any positive-inspired counsel to suggest you or I should take over for another. I can imagine an exception or two but they do not apply here.
Second, life is a world of art. There are many choices, each viable in one context or another. There are things that I can do that might help. As an example, I can ask questions that can help another shape her/his choice. I can support another journey by listening and being present and willing to serve. What I cannot do it paint your story. Actions and decisions are yours and yours alone.
Third, above all I can model and encourage. This is often underrated. I find that people are influential in my life are living their ideals. They encourage everyone around them. Actions tell others of their priorities and values. Choices tell a story of their aspirations and hopes.
If I had to some up my answer to each I would use David’s words; “Wait passionately for God, don’t leave the path. He’ll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.” (Psalm 37.34) Waiting passionately is a great way to describe doing the stuff, walking the path. The journey is the beginning of the reward. It is the way we discover the wonder and peace in responding to the call to be god-like. As I begin to embrace this, whatever else that is important will begin to find its place in my life.
