Dec 14th, 2020: Christmas Blessing - Live for Others While Receiving Help from Them

 Cobweb spiders wrap prey with diverse silk proteins, expanding silk applications - BMC Series blog

Yesterday was the first day of the lock-down restrictions in Alberta. We will be in this situation for at least another four weeks before we can see any change, hopefully. A friend asked ppl pplme last week whether I see many changes in my work. The answer is yes, and no. People's needs increase during this period. The issues we have to deal with are not that different. The intensity is just more so.

Learning to be aware of our addiction (s) is a critical step in identifying the roots of our problems. We are not just not well when our identity is in crisis. Many of us have our identity to be rooted in our addiction: power, status, control, money, and more. The pandemic is problematic for many of us because it undresses our falsehood and pretension.

Learning to acknowledge that we are not always in control is a significant step in dealing with anger. We are angry because we don't seem to be able to know what to do or what is next. We find ourselves in cobwebs of various emotions. Many have shared with me their ideas of coping with this challenging time. Others have expressed their desire to act out their civil disobedience. Both approaches show the attempt to bring some measure of control back to our life.

Learning to appreciate where we are is a crucial step in having a healthy approach to life. We might not have control, but that doesn't have to damage our desire to care for others. We might have to deal with our addiction (s), but we are not alone if we are willing to receive help from capable people. Our appreciation for life depends on how we live for others while letting others be a help in our life.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29: 11

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