How we feel, what we think and what we do affects every
living soul. However, those closest to us are much more sensitive to our
actions. We are not as isolated as we would imagine but connected to all living
beings; so much so that we penetrate the hearts and minds of our sisters and
brothers. Generally, we would prefer the feeling of separation so we are free
to do what we wish without regard for others. However, when we are in need we
appreciate our connectedness with them. This leaves one important area to be
considered and that is when others need us and we are obliged to set our
desires aside to help them.
Two major obstacles we face in helping others is our
presumption of what they really need and our prescribing what they should do
with it. For a mature adult freedom of choice is more than simply an
entitlement, it is the birthright of a living soul. Freedom to choose is
directly linked to our creative ability and without free choice we would be
dependent rather than independent souls. We must respect this in others and
respect both their choices as well their inviolable right to make them. If we
decide what help others wish to receive is not in their best interest we are
free to simply withhold it.
When we are observant, when we choose to see and listen
we will often understand what our brothers and sisters need. When their needs
and desires come together close enough compassion compels us to bless them with
whatever we have available to us to do so. Then, after giving our help it is
our duty to step back and let them do with it what they will. We may not hold
on to the help we have given but to release it and them to decide as living
souls how to use it.
All too often we find we cannot clearly understand what
our brothers and sisters really need nor what they should do with it. At those
times we may consider praying to our Lord to bless them in that way and manner
they are in need of, to make manifest in their lives that which only Infinite
Loving Kindness knows they can best use at the time. Where we are uncertain we
will find that our God does not need our help in deciding what our brothers and
sisters really need. If we believe in God, let us then believe in our brothers
and sisters and act accordingly.
God has no need of our standing between Him and our
fellow souls, nor do they have need of our standing between them and Infinite
Love. Sometime the greatest gift we can give to our brothers and sisters is to
live the way we pray, to awaken the best in those around us and leave the rest
to stand between them and that Infinite Tenderness we call God. Can we do it,
can we live so that we awaken the best in those around us and then step back to
let them do with it as they will?
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