chocolate in my purse

When those we love are hurting it is so hard to offer comfort without trampling on toes and breaching healthy boundaries. Shall I mount my mighty steed, take up my lance and take on the big meanie? Will that make my loved one feel loved or incapable of taking care of themselves? Shall I sit quietly, listening and hoping I nod and respond in comforting ways? Will that be enough?

I do think big hugs are good. I think spending time together is good. And I do think a quiet confidence that things will get better and a commitment that no one is getting abandoned can help.

But in the end, only God knows exactly what we need, offers perfect healing and never errors in how comfort is provided. So I will continue to pray, thanking God for His availability that is constant, His covenants that are eternal, His love that covers us in love at all times and in all places.

And I'll keep praying I don't say or do anything that gets in the way, causes pain or offers an easy way out of a truly sad and hard spot. And I'll keep loving, keep offering my presence, keep in touch, keep respecting the tender spots and defending healthy boundaries, keep offering such comfort as seems appropriate and keep chocolate in my purse for emergencies. 

And I deeply thank God I'm not trying to do this on my own.