Wow. You're still here?

 Man. I suck. I know. I start things and I do things then I don't. That's me. 

I should write. I will write. Don't give up on me yet.

“They call in the middle of the day… or night… Some hesitate. Take a deep breath. Some break down in tears. And grasp for courage to say out loud what they have been hiding inside for days, weeks, or years. Others almost run in. They spill before I get a word in. They’re anxious to clear their conscience or announce their doubts. Each one is different. I hang on. And listen.

“I did not ask for this opportunity. I never considered I might volunteer at church or minister to teens. I have no professional training for this position. I am by no means a biblical scholar. Or a learned man of faith..

All I do is answer a phone call..or sit beside them...ask How they are doing. And hopefully offer some relief.

And yet they come. Share their stories of disappointment, of joy, of broken dreams . And look to me for wisdom. I’m not sure any of them have learned from me. But, I have learned so much in the hours I’ve sat listening to them.

I have learned that we believe it is a strength to conceal weakness; that it is easy to want others to overlook our flaws as we expect perfection in them; that it is hardest to show compassion and grant forgiveness to those closest to us.

I have learned that faith is a muscle; I have learned that it is far easier to deny deity than to deny desire.

I have learned that we feel like a failure when we make mistakes even when we profess a belief that the purpose of this existence is to learn from them; I have learned that forgiveness is the greatest gift we can offer someone. And ourselves; I have learned that the strongest among us are those with the cleanest mirrors.

I have learned that the sins of parents profoundly affect children. And are often repeated by them; I have learned that affection from parents profoundly affects children; I have learned that children desperately desire parents who listen.

I have learned that there’s more sadness in this world than I had realized. I have learned there is more goodness in this world than I had realized. I have learned that to be happy is a choice.

I have learned those preoccupied with serving others have less time to count their problems; Indeed, I have learned that I have much to learn.

The names of those I meet with will never be known. Confidentiality and discretion demands I never disclose their names and stories.But I recognize that they think I am offering them help... but they are actually the ones helping me.