Vol. 21 No. 20 | May 20, 2019
When our first child was small, someone gave us a parenting tip: whenever possible, prepare him for what he’s about to do or experience.
So, if we were going to the doctor and he might get a shot, we would explain to him that it might hurt for a bit, but he will be okay. And I would
Tell him he could squeeze my hand as hard as he needed to while it was happening. That usually worked well, at least I hope it did.
When we were going somewhere or doing something new, we tried to do the same thing. This is where we are going. This is who we will be seeing. This is how long we plan to be there. This is what we expect of you. If there is a problem or you feel uncomfortable, come to us and tell us.
None of us like to be surprised or caught off guard if we can avoid it. I think most of the time it can be avoided if we take the time to practice empathy and consider what someone might need.
When illness strikes and medical treatments are being addressed, the doctor wants the patient to know about any procedures, possible risks involved, and expected outcomes. And patients want to know they can trust the doctor to provide any additional information they want or need.
When I have the chance to counsel a couple before they get married, I try to help them understand what might lie ahead (as much as a dreamy-eyed man and women can). There are multiple assessment tools that can help spot potential problem areas and offer guidance to counter hot spots before they blow up. I also make sure they know there is someone who cares and someplace they can go for help if trouble does arise.
I even try to integrate this approach into my initial counseling sessions to avoid surprises that might disrupt my client’s progress. I explain what clients can expect from me and what I expect from them, such as the cost per session, time involved, and whether or not I think I’m the best person to help them.
That is what Jesus was doing with His disciples in John 16 as He prepared them for His imminent arrest and death.
All this I have told you so that you will not fall away…I have told you this so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them…I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:1, 4, 33)
He didn’t want them to be caught off guard or lose hope and forget His promise to never leave them. And He wanted them to know that the sadness and disappointment they would experience would end in joy. Although this took a while to sink in, eventually His guidance and preparation paid off. (Read the book of Acts to learn more.)
His words of encouragement and preparation didn’t end with His disciples. He still wants to prepare us for times of struggle and disappointment. And He still wants us to know that joy will return, and He will be with us through it all.
I have no way of knowing what dark cloud may be moving in your direction, what heartache may be looming in the distance, or what bombshell might throw your world into chaos and confusion.
But He knows. And He will be with you through it all. You may not know He is there, or you may even refuse to acknowledge Him. But He is there, always, to stand by you, crawl with you, or carry you when you need it.
And you can squeeze His hand as hard as you want and know He will never let go.
______________
Tom Norvell’s Coaching & Counseling
______________
Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.
______________
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved
Subscribe @ A Norvell Note