When I was younger, that time runs up and through yesterday, my father offered advice. I have learned that it is in my best interest to consider, seriously, intently, and openly, consider his counsel. Initially my reaction was driven by a strong sense of obedience however at some point things changed. I found my reaction coming from an experiential knowledge that when Dad spoke wisdom often followed! While my path was and is unique, there were steps that he recognized from his journey. When he spotted them and offered wisdom I knew that value-rich insights were coming my way.
Do you recognize how you react to different people? There are some who offer and advice that you follow without hesitation. Others, smart, articulate, and successful, talk for day without saying a word the changes anything. One brings additional value to my life while the other competes with the wind.
Ironically those who should have the most influence often don’t. People that know us from the inside out tend to be ignored. If you don’t believe this, check with spouses or good friends! Get their views on this! We either react in subconscious fear that the advice is “too good” or feel that our independence is more important that our happiness.
This process doesn’t stop with friends, it extends though and to the Spirit and the Divine. When “The Holy, the True—David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open—speaks,” (Revelation 3.6) do we listen and put the words into action? More often than not the answer is no!
I find myself profoundly sad as I experience personal failure in this sense. How much pain could I have avoided? Do I realize the lives that I could have touched – bringing compassion to life, giving love an extension, and driving forgiveness home? Will today and tomorrow be different?
It is the last question that God poses to me that brings my heart home. God is the value that makes my life whole. Knowing and acting changes everything.
