There’s something interesting I have long noticed that I have run across a few times this past week. When that happens it usually turns into a Sunday newsletter topic. And who am I to argue with history? So here we go…
I bet you do not fix your car yourself. I bet you do not fix your plumbing yourself. I bet you seek expert advice on complex tax situations. I bet you seek advice from a physical therapist if a muscle or joint problem persists. Why then are people so terribly hesitant to seek advice or guidance about something much more important: The spiritual life or even life in general?
It seems very hard for people to be open to what is most important. People make bad decisions or get into some kind of trouble day after day and year after year. I find I am often offering gentle advice to people whose immediate response is, “Thanks but no thanks.” They are touched at the offer of support or possible insight into a problem but, after all, “It’s my life and I know what I am doing”, despite some evidence to the contrary.
It’s not that people should take advice or suggestions blindly, but openness to a different way of doing things is an important and admirable quality. One of my favorite quotes, which I have shared before, is from economist John Kenneth Galbraith:
“Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.”
It is worth considering if this applies to you. It probably does, as, to some extent, it applies to all of us. But the ability to change, learn, and adapt to reality is one to be cherished. And like anything else of value, it often takes a bit of work and a bit of persistence. And if your first reaction is, "That doesn't apply to me at all!” — well, all I can say is, “Hmmmmm…"