Checking In

Introduction:

Welcome my friend,

In the last twenty-four (24) hours, we've barely had time to grieve for the victims of the Indian airline crash before attention shifted to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, following recent bombings.

Through all of these, lives have been lost, global panic is rising, the market value of some assets have plummeted overnight, and investors are facing financial losses.

Indeed, it feels like everything is falling apart.

We're overwhelmed with distress, weighed down by uncertainty, and grieving over lost lives.

Which is why our conversation today is basically a check in to know how we're navigating the chaos in our respective tiny universes.

You're not alone my friend.

Discussion:

One of the toughest challenges is pushing forward after a recent hardship, pain, or loss, without even a moment to process our feelings because other duties demand our attention.

Many of us are accustomed to being the rock for others, sidelining our own struggles to remain steadfast for those who depend on us.

It’s like being the dishwasher, tirelessly cleaning up for everyone else, tending to their needs.

Yet, who tends to the dishwasher when it’s worn out?

Who takes care of the caretaker when they finally crumble from carrying everyone else?

■ The Dishwasher Role

The abruptness with which a life can end shows us that we might not be the invincible heroes we believe ourselves to be.

While we have a duty to support and show up for those around us, doing so at the cost of our own well being is a form of self sabotage.

As we’ve seen, the world moves on swiftly, life continues without pause, so if we refuse to rest because we believe everything will collapse without us, we risk breaking down ourselves.

And what happens next?

The things we tried to hold together unravel anyway.

By prioritizing our own stability and resisting the urge to overextend ourselves to the point of collapse, we increase our chances of being there for our loved ones for the long haul.

■ Why We Take Up That Role

When we repeatedly put others' needs before our own to our detriment, it prompts reflection on the underlying motives behind our choices.

There’s a distinction between being genuinely kind and responsible versus being a people pleaser driven by a need for validation or acceptance.

Similarly, when we’re accustomed to loss or fear of abandonment, we might overextend ourselves, doing everything to avoid rejection, worried that saying “No” will drive others away.

Yet, who truly wants relationships built on such unbalanced dynamics?

■ How To Treat The Dishwasher 

We may be fortunate to know or have people who consistently support us or those around them.

Often, we overlook that these supportive people also need care, rarely noticing their own needs.

Everyone faces challenges and difficulties proportional to their circumstances, and these can be overwhelming.

Everyone carries silent burdens, but our sensitivity and concern towards them can ease their hearts.

Most importantly, when someone willingly supports us, we should remain responsible and avoid burdening them with our needs.

■ Who Takes Care Of The Dishwasher

"The dishwasher washes the dishes, but who takes care of the dishwasher itself?"

This saying reminds us that, ultimately, the owner must maintain the dishwasher.

When we're at our lowest and feel alone, do we simply give up?

God extends His loving hands to lift us up and carry us through.

Similarly, when we're stained by our encounters with the world, God purifies us, lifting us from sin and granting us a second chance.

This is the essence of our healing.

God cleanses us of the pain, guilt, or trauma we accumulate from the world, setting us free.

So we can be restored, unburdened by what once weighed us down.

■ The Trash Can 

When a plate is too damaged for use, it's thrown away, as cleaning it would be a waste of the dishwasher's purpose.

It's not our role to save everyone.

Some have consciously turned away from God, rejecting Him, so sharing His message with them feels futile.

We should distance ourselves from such individuals to avoid being swayed by their beliefs.

God's saving grace is available to all, but those who choose to reject Him forfeit the blessings of having our owner by their side.

Summary:

The things happening in the world have prompted me to check in with you today to know how you're doing.

Life happens in such a way that everything we planned can be halted by death.

True security is found only in God.

Life teaches us that everything can falter: wealth, possessions, even life itself can be lost, ending our time here.

Yet, we can safeguard our soul.

Let’s conclude with a moment of silence for loved ones who have passed, while offering prayers for their families.

Master Apprentice.

www.x.com/truekingmaker