The most precious provision in the world

August 16, 2018 11:44 AM

Armed with the desire to be helpful, we immediately try to provide a solution.

But the reality is, if we really want to be providers for the people in our lives, leaping in to solve or save or treat or fix the problem isn’t an effective as just becoming the solution ourselves.

After all, most people most of the time want affirmation, not information.

I once heard a marriage counselor use the sun as the prime example. She talked about how its role as the brightest star at the center of our solar system is to simply offer warmth, presence and love to the planets in its orbit. That’s the divine provision.

Carlin spoke to this very phenomenon in one of his brilliant comedy routines.

Every I can see the sun, as it gives me everything I need. Heat, light, food, flowers in the park, reflections on the lake, even the occasional skin cancer. And the best thing about the sun is, it never tells me I’m unworthy. Doesn’t tell me I’m a bad person who needs to be saved. Hasn’t said an unkind word. Treats me fine.

Imagine how much brighter and warmer our relationships would be if we thought of ourselves in that way.

Our bouts of provider anxiety might finally reduce to a manageable level.

Remember, a warm and loving presence is the most precious provision in the world.

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