Setting Boundaries

Good evening Michael I see you once again have done an on-line ordination. This time with the Church of the latter Day Dudes.  This is your third ordination yet you have no interest  in pursuing the clergy as a calling.

10 or 12 years ago I was considering seriously a career as a chaplain. I worked my way toward my goal only to find obstacle after obstacle in my way. I guess I was expecting an easier time trying to do your work here on earth.

Yet, you dealt with these obstacles by quitting your path. Then like the gentleman on the roof during the flood you ignored the help I sent to get you started again.

True, though to be fair I didn't expect 24% interest on a loan to be much help. Yet it would have gotten me through that last semester had I applied myself. However I was having second thoughts on my career choice. It wasn't feeling like a calling anymore. There was no passion there.


Passion is not a criteria for helping others, compassion is. That is something you have in plenitude, yet you seldom put it to use constructively. I have noticed that when you have money and time you are not stingy with sharing that time and money with those less fortunate. Though when you perceive a lack in your own life you will hold back from giving, but not from caring. Perhaps there are ways that you can share your compassion and talent by raisng money instead of giving money. Many volunteer organizations exist to which you would be of value. In the next few days I will show you a few paths you may follow. In fact this puppeteering group for which you have just inquired may be an answer. What are your thoughts?

It seems that with other organizations that I have given my time to, they are not satisfied until I am giving all of me to further their cause. They take and take and take until the satisfaction I had from doing the right thing has become reason to stop. I liked working with Whitlock precisely because I could choose when to give of my time and money while remaining anonymous, no one coming after me for more.


Certainly it takes a bit of assertiveness on your part to establish boundaries. As long as you keep saying yes than people will keep asking. This is an aspect of human nature. if you look back to the gospels you will see that Jesus had much the same dilemma. The hordes of suffering were to much for any man. He chose to leave then send others in his place to minister to the unfortunate.This not a lack of compassion but a lack of time, energy and resources. learn to say no to new demands placed on you. Only accept what you can do. Others will be there to pick up the slack. 


Thank you once again Lord for an informative and useful chat.