There is a phrase that many of us use…
“be careful!”
I catch myself using it all the time.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with “being careful” when there is a need to use caution out of wisdom.
Of course, there is a time to genuinely caution someone else about something, don’t get me wrong.
But I started thinking the other day…
“What do I really mean, when I use this phrase toward someone else?”
I had to think about that for a minute…
because there are many times
when I honestly use it toward someone as I am dealing with my own fear or anxiety about their situation.
But why would I use the term,
“Be careful”
When I could encourage them with,
“Be brave!”
or
“Be strong! You can do this!”
or
“Have courage and be kind!”
Let’s be honest—Am I trying to project my own fear and insecurity onto someone, in attempt to scare them away from doing something that makes me uncomfortable and afraid?
It’s just one of those things that has me rethinking the way I think,
and what I say and do.
You see, I KNOW how to “be careful”…
The art of “being careful” is something I have mastered since a very young age.
I’ve “lived” it.
But in ‘living’ a life where “being careful” is my uttermost, top priority
it makes me wonder if as I’m so obsessively focused on “being careful”…
…am I really LIVING my life?
Or am I avoiding my life?
Am I hiding from life in self-preservation?
As I am learning about donkey behavior, I have learned that one of their behaviors is “self-preservation”—and
they’re REALLY good at it.
Donkeys are ALL about “being careful” and making sure they stay safe, first and foremost.
They’re not going to want to do something they feel is too dangerous.
It’s a stretch for them to learn to trust a human being.
But in training exercises, their mindset CAN change, and they can develop trust and respect.
I love watching this growth in our donkeys as they learn to trust me, little by little, more and more every day.
(And you guys thought I just wanted donkeys because they’re so cute.)
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”—Psalm 91:1-2
And I’m learning more about trust and relationship every day. Thank You, Father. 💝
-Heather 🌺