We humans are quirky creatures. We desire unconditional love and acceptance yet so few of us are actually willing to dole out these intangibles. Why is that? Why do we fight so hard for control only to be left isolated and longing for companionship? Why are we so unwilling to share our true selves with each other? Ultimately, we fear rejection. The irony persists that were we willing to love unconditionally fear of rejection could be eradicated. We place such high and often unrealistic expectations on our fellow man and then react with shock and disappointment when they fail to measure up. We prefer to dismiss those who do not meet our standards as opposed to offering reassurance, encouragement or mentorship. Where does that leave us on a relational level? Often in relationships the ratio of giving is unbalanced, one person does 98% of the giving while the other sucks the life away. This disproportion may ultimately lead to giver burn-out and relational break down. Remember the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” It seems many of us have forgotten this basic rule of reciprocity. Putting others first takes work, it violates our selfish nature. Nickelback sings, “If everyone cared and nobody cried, if everyone loved and nobody lied, if everyone shared and swallowed their pride, we’d see the day when nobody died.” Lofty idealism? I don’t believe so. Attainable goal? No, not really that either. Journey for a lifetime? Most definitely.
