I’ve been on the receiving end of grumblings from a couple of friends who are going through really tough times. Both are struggling—one with the consequences of a decision and the other with rejection. I can relate. It’s “the pits.”
The last time I was in the pits was last August when my son didn’t call me on my birthday. I complained to everyone who would listen. In my mind, I was completely justified in how I felt, which was very, very hurt. I really didn’t feel better after complaining; actually, retelling the story made me feel even worse. It wasn’t until someone at a recovery meeting cut me off and said I needed to focus on the solution, not the problem. That blunt, but very well-meaning, comment was startling, but true. I needed to hear it.
I’m grateful to have learned that energy flows where attention goes, and whatever I focus on—no matter if it’s positive or negative—grows. I’m grateful to know I have a way to get out of the pits. I can take action to divert my attention to something life-giving instead of life-zapping…go for a walk, put on some soothing music, putter outside, love on my pup, dig into God’s Word. Basically, get out of my self.
I love my friends and I’m grateful to lend an ear….to a point. I’m learning to listen without interruption and just be a sounding board….to a point. There’s only so much I can do, and then I add them to my prayer list. I know that this, too, shall pass. And that’s another thing to be grateful for!
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. ~ James 5:9
