The song "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus has taken on a great significance to me, personally. What I write today may sound melancholy, perhaps even with a tone of bitterness but - writing, journaling, sharing and being transparent comes naturally to me. The words "always going to be another mountain, always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm going to have to lose, and it ain't about how fast I get there... " I just FEEL this so strongly today.
It's in retrospect of several situations this past summer, where the true character of some individuals has surfaced - including the flaws in my own. Brought up to always 'root for the underdog' while watching Saturday wrestling matches on TV with my dad - I learned that those who struggle the most to achieve their victories - are often the most appreciative of them. When time and again winning doesn't come easy to the underdogs - they make a choice to either give up, or continue to keep going.
What I have also seen this summer is how easy it is for good, honest people to find themselves manipulated and used, stepped on, mocked, and patronized. It is often easier for bitterness to take route in these situations than it is to walk in forgiveness.
In the world of competitive sports - whether it be national football or the sport of purebred dogs - there are those who have paid their dues over time and by doing so - are deserving of a certain level of respect. Especially those who have years of experience behind them to testify of their individual uphill battle and journey. Those who one day find themselves at the top of their game - still struggle just as hard, however their struggle involves new mountains to overcome. These 'veterans' for the most part are deserving of respect though, especially if they have taken the road less traveled which consists of good ethics and a walk of integrity.
On the other hand - there are some who look at the very real mountains in front of them and do not grasp the importance of their own personal climb. Quickly and intelligently a shortcut is mapped out. Sadly, this perceived 'shortcut' effectively burns many of the original bridges of communication, help, and guidance built upon a reliable and firm foundation of true friendship.
Personally, my own climbing experience is based on keeping the faith that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord, and I do. It keeps me sensitive to the plight of others, and causes me to want to help, to pour into another persons life. But when the other person continues time and again to blatently do things that go against all that we have shared and communicated, behaves in manners that suggest we never even knew each other - it is time for me to walk away. To see someone who appeared interested in nurturing a friendship flaunt behaviors and attitudes in direct contrast to the nature and character presented in the beginning is a mockery and a disrespect of that friendship.
Almost everyone has felt betrayed by a friend or experienced some other negative relationship issue, such as gossip. Proverbs 16:28 says a whisperer (someone who spreads private or embarrassing information) can separate the best of friends. These are some of the "hard issues" in life and require a lot of serious thought, heartfelt prayer to God for help in making the right decisions. At first, the concerns were small and I tried to resolve them by applying Matthew 18:15. I shared my concerns openly to no avail. It is hard to reason with someone who knows everthing. Recently I had to make a decision to simply withdraw and be thankful for friendships in my life that are strong, and can even help carry me through this particular mountain climbing experience. It's not easy, and it hurts. And I accept responsibility as well.
You can pick your friends, but not to pieces.
Thanks for listening... Ann
As you said, Ann, we all go through these types of situations in our life. I believe that some of us go through more of them than others. Maybe it's our passion to help others and give from the bottom of our hearts. Regardless we often feel hurt and misunderstood because of it. I know in my heart that the Lord wants us to be compassionate but not abused. We can't force others to be the way we want them to be and sometimes it's a hard thing to accept when you know what is right for them and they aren't listening or open to it. It sounds like you gave it 150% and if that person couldn't see all that you are and all that you had to offer them; it's time to move on. Hopefully at some point in their life, they will feel the impact you left on them. If not, it's their loss and they will have to figure things out for themselves. The harder road traveled. Hang in there. God bless, Lili
ReplyDeleteIndeed Lili, it is hard to be misunderstood, especially when the motivation is pure. I appreciate your encouragement and that from a few others who have shared with me too. I am blessed.
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