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WE NEED CONTACT, NOT COUNSELING
In my journal of this date
I have a letter from my paternal grandfather, Isaac Roberts. I had
written him while sitting in study hall to see what he thought of me
becoming a lawyer. Later I changed directions. Most of us have had a
half dozen ideas of what we want to be and do in life.
He said, "I think to try to counsel you in any of the activities of
your life would be pure egotism."
It bothered me that his note was so brief and curt. I admired him. He
had raised 10 children and eked out a living as a Methodist preacher,
farmer, beekeeper and one of the first chiropractors in north Alabama.
Over the years I have wondered why his brief response bothered me. It
wasn't because he failed to counsel me. It was because I desired contact
with him and he failed to show interest in it.
I am certain Grandpa didn't intend to rebuff me. I visited him shortly
after this letter and he gave me lots of his time. Most of our time was
spent in laughter and stories. He repeated his belief that for him to
try to counsel me would be pure egotism.
If this story has any meaning at all for me now, it is this: Be alert to
openings for friendship with young people who feel a need for you.
We all have those times when we reach back to be fed by our roots.
That's why so many people get engrossed in genealogical research.
Sometimes the desire to be nurtured by those who came before doesn't
strike until our final years. My father was in a genealogical research
frenzy the last few years of his life and I am the benefactor of his
efforts.
Occasionally a young person will want to walk into our heart and mind
for a visit. Allow them. You don't need to feel that they need
counseling. Counseling is the least important thing you have to offer.
The main thing you have is yourself.
That was what I really needed from my grandfather. Just a little piece
of his time. Just a thought or two. Just a few minutes in his heart and
mind.
~~~~~
Other Sunday Journals and writings by Dalton can be found at DaltonRoberts.com
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