Different Paths

​Not only are people different, they are on different paths of growth. Many do not understand this and are quick to judge. It has happened before that I have been in situations that caused me to question my old habits, yet people who do not know my past speak to me as if I am slow to learn things that they learned long ago. They tell me that if I just follow their advice, then everything will work out, but my old habits were identical to their advice and after many years of failure led to the present situations. They do not listen.

Some people were impulsive as youths and now need to learn patience and prudence. Others were fearfully hesitant and now need to learn to take risks. Both think they have finally “seen the light” and teach everyone around them not to repeat the mistakes that they made. When these two types of people meet each other it is the source of a lot of friction.

Some people have always accepted what they could not change and now need to learn how to take a stand for once. Others have always changed what they could not accept and now need to learn how to settle down, recognize their limits, and live at peace. Neither are good at finding the balance between the two, yet try to tell others how to live.

Some people have always been dependent on others for their happiness and now need to learn to be strong alone and not worry what others think. They have strived to please others but have never really been happy. Others have always done as they pleased and now realize that our deepest need as people is to connect with and serve others. They have always lived to please themselves but now find they have no one to share life with. The two groups are always trying to give each other advice not to follow in their footsteps.

Every situation is different, every person is different, and every path is different. What path are you on?