“An investment in a person ultimately pays the highest return because it can result in changed lives.” ~ John Maxwell, Author Thinking for a Change
In his book, Thinking for a Change, Maxwell encourages the reader to “Experience the Satisfaction of Unselfish Thinking.” He challenges us to think about what life experiences we have that can help another person. For anyone reading this blog, there is one huge life experience that we have just recently or are still going through – a midlife divorce — that we can transform into an opportunity to help someone else.
What I finally figured out was that the more I used what I had been through to help others, the better I got, too. There is a verse in the Bible that says something to the effect that we are allowed to experience certain things so that we can later come alongside someone else and comfort them because we understand. We’ve been where they are. We have struggled with the same fears and worries and heartbreak and sadness. Because we are a bit farther along on the divorce recovery journey, we have things to share that will help others through their darkness.
They will listen to us because we have experience they need and that can change their lives for the better. That’s love in a nutshell. And you know what? The satisfaction is huge! I have women tell me all the time that I have helped save their life. They will tell you that, too, if you just take the time to open up and share even the smallest victories you have found through this experience. Save them from making some of the mistakes you made. Just be a listener who really understands and that small gift can a bigger impact than you imagine. You have experienced this divorce. There is nothing you can do about that …. Except decide to use it to love and help someone else into healing. You won’t believe how good you feel when you do that!
“Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of what is good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.” ~ Romans 12:9-10 (The Living Bible)
