Extending an Olive Tree

** The following picture has nothing to do with this post… it just really made me laugh**

Did you know that you can be overly compassionate?

I didn’t.

But I do now.

In an attempt to “extend an olive branch” to someone, I actually, uprooted the olive tree, and smacked the person in the face.  Of course it was unintentional, and my motives were pure.  But the fact of the matter is, I caused more pain then gain by trying to be overly compassionate.

Sometimes, compassion, is the last thing a person needs.  Sometimes they just need space, distance, a smack across the face, time to think, heal, or prayer. 

I learned this the hard way.

If any of you are perfectionist types with the “fix it” syndrome, you most likely have the same problem I do.  We long to fix an issue until its better than it was.  We see the silver lining, and expect it to be golden by the time we’re done with it.

Can I get an Amen?

Of course….we’re human, and that doesn’t always happen like we’d like it too… and not everyone thinks like we do, and not everyone receives our actions or intentions in a positive way….. The problem?

We’re control freaks.  We have trust issues that the problem at hand won’t be solved sufficiently unless we solve it our way…. oh man I’m preaching here.

The solution?

Let it go.  Have a little faith in the Creator of the universe.  He’s got it:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19

This verse doesn’t say “some” of your needs.  It says *all*.  And since this verse is directed at everyone, it applies to those to whom we can be overly compassionate….  God has their needs in His hands as well, and he loves them, just as much as he loves you. Not less.  Not more. Just as much.

 “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” 1 Peter 5:7

My solution to my problem was to do exactly what Peter said to do.  I told God how I felt, and why I felt that way.  I spelled it all out for Him, and then, I let. it. go.

and you know what?  It was super liberating.