Life is complicated. Relationships are hard work. It is so simple for me to see the answers in others but my personal radar is flawed. I guess its one more good reason that I have the Holy Spirit in my life. Where would I be today without his promptings and guidance. Proverbs stresses over and over the wisdom that comes from a multitude of advisers. People who will love you enough to speak truth into your lives.

Lately, I have had the opportunity to speak with several people that are going through some really tough seasons relationally. My heart goes out to them. Stuff like this seems to come in waves and lately it has. It takes a lot out of me because their pain resonates with me. Pain stinks. I hate to see people struggle, but I also know that God builds some pretty special things out of the midst of life’s mess. Change comes through pain. People meet Jesus there and they find healing. Not the kind of fairy tale healing (they all lived happily ever after) that we might look for, but the kind of supernatural life-change that only takes place at the Master’s invitation.

So today, I am feeling it for some of my friends that are in some dark valleys. I try to distance myself from their pain so that I can do this job for the long haul. Self preservation. At the same time, I’m reminded that Jesus seemed to walk towards people in pain. He walked right in the midst of it. Somewhere, there is balance…knowing you are not the cause or the solution…and not turning your back. I’m not even sure where this post is going other than to say that I am sad for my friends but excited about what God is going to do in them in these all important seasons of their lives.