Sojourning with Others

Have you noticed how there are days where others expect us to magically know their needs?

Ever wish you could read other people’s minds? It sure would come in handy for those with a need! I’m sure that I have put those expectations upon others and I know that I have felt the burden of such expectations upon me.

Sometimes we don’t notice other’s needs because they are simply left unvoiced or because our own lives are busy, full of commitments, distractions, and responsibilities. But we still do care … don’t we? It just to find the time …

Sometimes sheer overwhelm is what stops us from offering help. Triggers. Exhaustion. Responsibilities. Time. Skills. All because life balance is an ongoing challenge for most of us.

God promises to walk with each of us through our circumstances. He promises peace to us. God.is.the.true.Rescuer.

God promises to walk with each of us through our circumstances.

Wise boundaries help us empower and bring hope to the one in need while not creating unhealthy dependencies. They lead us to help with a heart of peace and love rather than obligation or pity.

So, how do I support others facing challenging circumstances while facing my own limitations, challenges, and responsibilities? I remind myself to pray, ask self-awareness questions, and listen carefully to the answers.

My favorite reflection questions are:

What do You want me to do here, God?
Am I responding prayerfully or really reacting to rescue someone from pain?
Is my need to be needed influencing my actions?
Am I reacting only to reduce my own anxiety about the situation?
Am I responding from a heart of love and compassion, coming alongside to support, empower and strengthen with healthy boundaries?
How can I best let God be God in these circumstances?

The answers to these questions can help me know how to respond with best intentions in mind for the other in need.

Sojourning with another person can be a fulfilling experience filled with love, presence, compassion, and applied with the use of healthy boundaries for both parties, while also pointing the one in need towards those best qualified to help when required and to the God of hope who loves each one of us.