small comforts

Yesterday's scripture meditation asks the question, "What is it that you fear most?  What fears do you hear expressed by others?"; fitting.  I have the gift of providing a space where people share their fears on a regular basis. 

["Listening is in short supply in the world today;

people are not used to being listening to"-- Eugene Peterson] 

Hour after hour, I walk with people through the twists and turns of their life, identifying and then challenging their fears--hopefully overcoming them.  There are times we are successful and others where we are not.  I carry those fears with me.  I appreciate and respect this dynamic.  It's a one way street.

The things I fear most stay heavily guarded, in a chamber deep within myself.  Twice within the same hour, one of my fears was stirred but with polar emotions attached.

There is comfort in working with your best friend.  When something exciting happens, she is there to share it with. 

And then, when something sad happens, she is there again.

["How can I lead people into the quiet place beside still

waters if I am in perpetual motion"--Eugene Peterson]

A reminder to slow down, practice mindfulness.  Reconnect with myself, those I am closest to, my faith.