Hearing God's Voice 9/24/13

"I call my sheep, they hear my voice and follow me."  John 10:27

       At 3:00 p.m., I heard God's voice.  Such occasions remind me there's more to life than what meets the eye, or should I say, ear.  Last Wednesday, in the midst of a maddening day, I was

prompted at that time to call someone in lives in the state of Washington.  From time-to-time, this happens, being prodded by God.

      That day was jammed with appointments, preventing a call, right then.  Afterwards, still exhausted from speaking and teaching earlier that week at a peace forum in Berkeley---because I'm introspective, even though most wouldn't know it, because I'm a leader and can handle a crowd---I bedded for the night, after staggering home, bone and mentally weary.  The next morning, I telephoned "Barbara," checking in on her.

      Her voice was cheerful, and she plied me with questions. We hadn't spoke in a week-and-a-half.  We talked about Barbara's action steps she might take, that would help her achieve her goals for the rest of the year.  She's assailed by pressures, emotional, physical, familial and financial that are screaming for attention. She was grateful for the support received during our call.

"Two are better than one, for they have a rich reward for their labor. For if one falls, he has another to lift him up."  Ecclesiastes 4:9

      While we talked, my mind and body was already tired, even though it was the beginning of my day.  After we rehearsed strategies for her dilemmas, she said, "Pablo, I prayed yesterday.  I was hesitant about doing the action plan created in the last session." (She's a client of mine; we use the phone and Skype to visit.)

      "Barbara" continued, "Yesterday, I asked God to have you call me today, if I were to do what we've discussed.  I'm so glad you phoned!"

"For if one falls, he has another to pick him up. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has not another to pick him up."                      Ecclesiastes 4:10

       In ancient Greek, the word for visit does not mean a social call.  It means looking after an other with the intent of responding to that person's practical, tangible needs.  I'm glad "Barbara" and I visited. Making my life count is a great way to thrive and celebrate life.

       I love mourning with those who mourn. Yes, I do.  "Barbara" is mourning, big time.  Why, do I enjoy grieving with another, you say?  Because connecting with others is what we were created to do.  Bonding is important.  Life isn't all about staying within our head, trying to answer our problems in isolation, using our resources alone.

      Community is critical.  It's where we can share our deepest thoughts, dreams, and feelings with another, with no fear of rejection. Without bonding, a person becomes mired in psychological and emotional problems. 

           We need emotional connectedness, bonding, if we are to avoid sickness of the soul:

                      

1.  Loneliness          4.  Physical illness. Blood chemistry changes for the
2. Depression               the worse, when we have bitter thoughts.

3. Self-loathing       5.  Despair

       Participating in another's life is a privilege.  Seeing others, like "Barbara," bit-by-bit, overcome problems that have dogged their entire life---and assisting them---fulfills my need to connect with humanity in a significant way.

       I asked, "What time on yesterday did you pray, that I would call you?"

       "3:00 p.m.,"  "Barbara" replied.

How About You?
When was there a recent time when you showed empathy to another?  And, how do you make sure you take care of yourself, and don't get swallowed up by the drama that occurs in the lives of others?  Balance is needed, too.

Related Post:
Acceptance and Difficut Others---A Helpful Understanding of Empathy