When I am with someone, I am with them. I listen with the intent to hear what it is that they want. I learned this from being the care giver of my dad in his later days. If I was there to help him, even if I thought I knew a better, faster, less expensive way, I would first do it the way he wanted because that kept him at ease. It was what he was familiar with. Only if his way didn’t work out as expected, would I offer up my alternative. I remember we had a lengthy discussion about this method of “helping”. My dad saw my actions as one who just rushed in to solve a problem only to then rush out again. His view was if this was the case then I was no better than hired help. Once I understood this miscommunication, and addressed it, our relationship was transformed. Now this is how I approach all my relationships and I find that things go much more smoothly. Simply put, if I am there to help someone, unless asked to do it my way, I help them do it their way first. If I do not have the time, patience, or temperament, then I allow someone else to be of assistance to them at that moment. Many times it’s not only what’s said that’s the problem, that which is unsaid can be just as troublesome.

One of my favs is Exodus 20:2-17

Time is the one commodity we cannot manufacture more of.

Praying for a positive outcome.

My opinion is that the spirit lives in and through us. The spirit is manifested in the material world through our thoughts, words, and actions. It is my belief that in the living world: this world; that we must exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.