Venting session

I shared with you yesterday the wonderful time of fellowship I had over the holiday weekend. I was able to reconnect with close friends and make new ones. I was able to fellowship with people I hadn't seen in a while and those that I see often, but don't really get a chance to sit down with and get to "visit"...it's a Texas word for fellowship.

But there was one acquaintance that I had a difficult time with. I asked how they were doing because I had seen them in a while. And this person hit me full speed; everything that came out of her mouth was negativity and bitterness. Basically, she said she'd had it with our community. She was tired of...and then proceeded to tell me all the things she didn't like. As she was "venting" to me, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She was not at a happy place in her life. I was wondering if there was any joy in her life. I was trying to figure out what had made her so angry, so bitter. She wasn't always this way. Was it my fault? Did I contribute to her negative outlook on things? I consider myself a generally positive person, but you never know how your actions can be interpreted by others.

I tried to encourage her, but I don't think it was getting through. I finally told her, if you're so unhappy, why don't you find another community? Or another church? If your needs aren't met here, then you should go to where they are. I don't think she was expecting that response. Perhaps she wanted me to validate her feelings. I wasn't going to because I don't feel that way. Yes, our community has some glaring weak spots. But we also have some strengths that you don't find in other communities. The thing I told her was she would have to balance the bad with the good. If the good outweighed the bad, stay and try to make things better. If the bad outweighed the good, leave and find a better place.

I always encourage people to put themselves in the best position in life. Especially when it comes to your spiritual life. If you feel you have a particular weakness, don't put yourself in a spot where that weakness is exploited. If you're an alcoholic, don't hang out at bars. If you're a gambler, don't visit casinos. Avoid areas where you will be tempted to sin. And if a particular church is not feeding you spiritually, go to one that does. Life is too short, and your spiritual life too important for you not do what is best for you and your family. Pray to God to give you the answers. Sometimes when you weigh things, it's better for you to stay and try to make things better. Sometimes it's better to leave and start fresh. Only God's wisdom can give you the answer you desire. I pray for my friend, that she gets the peace that she's seeking. Whether it's in this community or not.