There are some people who are “fixers.” No, not fixer uppers. 🙂 You know the kind: they want to “fix” everyone’s problems. It used to be said (and probably still is true to some extent) that most men tend to be fixers. You know how it works! The wife comes to him with an issue and instead of just listening to her, he wants to give advice, i.e. he wants to tell her how to fix the problem.
So…how did that work out?
Not very well I suspect. I found out several things: 1) Jo didn’t want me to fix her problem. She just wanted me to listen; and 2) I have enough trouble fixing my own life/issues let alone trying to offer advice on how someone can fix theirs. Long story short: not a wise thing to do.
When Abram came away from a battle against 4 kings, he met Melchizedek. Abram was tired and worn out. He didn’t need fixed; he needed a friend. And he got one. Check out Gen. 14: 18-20 for that story. Mel didn’t try to preach to him; he ministered to him with food and drink. Just what Abram needed at the moment.
I cannot fix people who come my way, but I can be a friend. And that may be all they need. I can love them and listen to their hearts. I can pray with them if they let me. And I can send them off with a blessing. The greatest blessing I can give them is to bring to them the ONE who is the source of every blessing.
I’m going to stop trying to fix people. I’m lousy as a fixer upper on a house. I think the same can be said about me and people. I am going to bless people with my love and by listening to them and hook them up with the One who is the source of all blessing. How about you? What will you do today to be a “lover” and listener?
“Father, help me to step aside and let people see You in me. Help me to stop trying to fix everyone and simply love them and listen to them and ultimately point them to You.”