...

It's hard caring about someone, isn't it? It's hard seeing the choices they make that only make their lives more difficult, and seeing what's in front of them so clearly, and yet not being able to smack them upside the head and make it as clear to them as it is to you. It's hard wanting to make things "all better", and yet knowing that that is the very last thing you can do--indeed, that it's the very last thing that they need. They need to want to make things better, then they need to start taking positive action of their own accord. Sure, you can help them when they ask for it--and even sometimes when they don't--but you have to be so careful that you don't cross that fine line between helping them and doing it for them. Otherwise they may just become dependent on you, where the best thing for them is to learn that they can stand on their own two feet, with God's help.

*sighs*

Yes, caring is hard. But everything that's really worth something is, isn't it? Having a deep relationship with God is hard, being a good example in a world gone wrong is hard, finding something to rejoice about when you're feeling knocked-down and worn out is hard, and watching someone you love go through probably one of their most difficult times of life is hard. But knowing God as Abba, as Lover, and as Helper is wonderful beyond words. Having someone look at you in wonder when you turn the other cheek is exhilirating. Singing a song from the depths of your heart when you feel like you'd rather be crying is amazingly freeing. And being there as a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a set of arms that can give a good hug when it's needed or a hand up when that loved one is down is one of the greatest things in the world.

Yes, it's most definitely worth it.