Sometimes what people need the most is difficult to provide. And when this happens, you really have to dig deep to get the energy and care needed to provide those longed for gifts.
Sometimes what people need is not in our nature to give. For example, recently a family member asked me to simply sit and be present. I'm not one to simply sit still--I like to be busy with all kinds of projects and activities. I resisted my family member's request and instead tried to combine simply sitting with a few activities I found more interesting. My family member was disgruntled.
Later on I read more about this family member's condition and I recognized why simply sitting and being present was what she wanted and needed so today, I'll try to do that. I'll simply push myself to be peacefully present and let my family member the lead our time together.
In any caregiving or human service role, the need to be peacefully present is often most important. When working with young children, the act of presence helps us to empower a child to be in charge, make decisions, and seek our consult as needed, and when we are simply present, we likely notice a lot more and use that noticing to make good decisions and act well with and for that person as time goes on.
In working with the older people around me, it seems like life works on us all the time to make us better. It seems like life is always trying to smooth your rough edges, right your direction, make you wiser, and promote the best of whom you can be. If we let that happen, we'll likely continue to grow with betterment, purpose, and good contribution and love.
So, with this in mind, I'll push past my reservations and resistance to giving in ways that are less natural for me to truly meet the needs of those I choose to love and serve. Onward.