Everyone is fighting their own battles.
If you can remember this little fact you know all you need to about the human race to deal well with them. Everyone has their personal struggles, fights, temptations and worries. We get so bogged down by our load of problems that we often forget that those around us are in the same boat. We distance ourselves by assuming that no one could understand where we're at or where we've been. I've heard it before many times... things like, "You don't know what pain is." "You've never been depressed." "You don't know anything about love!" .... and on, and on. And we grow so bitter and alone! Like wounded animals. Lashing out at anything that threatens us with more harm. Pushing, prodding at everyone because we are desperate to find peace, yet seeking it in all the wrong ways.
That is what sets children apart and makes them so wonderful. A child hasn't seen the world, hasn't seen betrayal, hurt, heartache. Their emotions are pure and true: unlearned anger, pure and vibrant joy, wholesome pleasure. But every child grows up. Traveling on different journeys, different roads, different circumstances... and yet we live the same life.
Why are we called the human race? The human wheel is much more fitting: Some of us make up the spokes, some the rim, the bolts, pegs, screws, the hub... and so on. The trip is tiresome and after awhile we are all weary. We don't look at others around us and remember that they are tired and sore too. Selfishly we complain and demand comfort. It is true that the squeakiest wheel gets the grease. ....and there are a lot of squeaky wheels out there.
In all my interactions during a day I sometimes observe how easily my patients comes undone. Or how quickly my anger is kindled. How unloving and selfish I can be. Quite unpleasant and nasty at times. A very squeaky part of the wheel making the trip all the more disagreeable for everyone else... forgetting that I am not the only one bearing the burdens of life.
This is why I would want to be the grease. The giver. The comfort and relief. Pleasant words throughout the day. A true smile that carries no ill. The peace in times of hardship... bring to the table the Fruits of Galatians.
So if I, in my youth, were to ask a wizened frame for the one secret to a happy life I would hope their croaky, old voice would tell me,
"Be the grease."
Romans 12:1-21
2 comments:
This is so true! Trying to become the grease is the trick but it gives me joy to know that we can be there for each other, and in doing so we are able to grow from our experiences... It is an important lesson to learn :-)
Amen sista'! The gain from giving is so much greater than the gain from receiving. :) And it's a pleasure to be a Christian and have fellowship with others who also strive to be the grease as well. It makes life so much easier. :)
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