TELL ME WHAT GOD IS LIKE.

A WHILE AGO, I HEARD A WONDERFUL STORY WHICH ILLUSTRATES

THE VALUE OF CHILDISH WONDER:

A young couple had just become new parents to their second child, when their little boy, aged 3, asked for some time alone with his new brother. The parents were a little perturbed by their son's request and silently questioned the little boy's motives. They had read a lot about sibling rivalry and did not want to put their new baby at any unnecessary risk. By way of compromise, they agreed to let the little boy visit his baby brother, on condition that they stayed close at hand.

Their young son wasn't happy and kept insisting that his parents leave the room since he wanted to be "ALONE!" with his new brother. Finally the parents relented and retreated into the passage. They were still worried however, so they left the bedroom door slightly ajar to keep an eye on proceedings.

Little James moved closer to his new little brother and stared longingly into the cot for a long time. Then as the silence grew awkward, the worried couple peeped around the bedroom door just to see their little boy lean over the cot and say to his little brother;

"JOHNNY, TELL ME WHAT GOD IS LIKE, BECAUSE I'M STARTING TO FORGET!"

Let us all hold on to our own youthful wonder.

DON'T GO IT ALONE!

Here's a thought....

I think Hurt (Emotional pain) and Anger are synonymous!

If a person displays Anger, I believe one can safely assume that it is rooted in emotional pain. Indeed Hurt and Anger seem to occupy the same psychological space. The converse, I believe is also true: Hurt can quickly change to Anger. Either way, both these emotions are volatile and should be kept in check.

I also believe that unresolved emotional pain will display itself in either Hurt or Anger at some stage. Sometimes these emotions emerge erratically years after the incident, or indeed, they build up - layers and layers of emotion - over time and then surface, like an angry cloud, unexpectedly. Either way, it goes without say, that if you are Hurt or Angry, it is best to deal with it as soon as possible and in a structured and committed way.

I also believe that we need to consciously take time out to examine the cause of our Anger or Hurt - and to resolve it responsibly. This is a positive step. Despite the stigma of counselling which still prevails in our society, the truth is that there is really no harm in consulting someone (a psychologist, counsellor or a friend with big shoulders) to this end. Even diarising helps, because the act of writing down your thoughts, serves to structure them and to deal with them practically. Suppressing the emotions of Hurt and Anger only serve to build up one's big walls of defence, which I believe are damaging to the psyche and our ability to interact socially.

In summary, I would like to say: - If you are Hurting or Angry, don't feel that you have to 'go-it-alone'. There are many wonderful people out there who are ready, willing and able to facilitate your healing. It is important though to find someone you can trust in the healing process. Remember that the stigma in society surrounding counselling is unjustified. Be gentle with yourself and find someone who can help you! CAM

ARE YOU FLOWERING?

If you are feeling low today; I give you a flower in the hope that your spirit will be lifted. Flowers always seem to smile at us. Once they are dead, they are no longer 'flowers'. They remind us that if we are alive, its best to show our best face. Flowers search for the sun or for the light. Why don't we do the same???