Teaching Self Sufficiency
I used to think when someone around me was dealing with a problem I must do all within my power to help them. To a certain degree this is a Christ like and wonderful intention to have, after all the scriptures teach us that we are to "bear one another's burdens" and "lift up the weary hands that hang down". There is nothing wrong with helping those we love to endure the challenges this life can bring. However many times I have found myself consumed with others worries. So much that at times it has put my own happiness and state of mind in peril. Years and wisdom have began to teach me that there is also another great option: Let the person own their problem and grow and learn by having to solve it or work through it themselves. By allowing myself to do this I have been able to experience empathy without overwhelming anxiety. I have found it is ment...