I couldn't understand why an individual wasn't helpful. I didn't expect the pushback. Yet, it occurred. Reminded by the need to be reverent, I want to think more about those who push us beyond our comfort levels or expectations--when is this a good thing, and when is this troubling? What is the best way to react to these shoves we feel now and then in our lives? When might we too push too hard?
Some pushes are good, the kinds of pushes that helped you ride a bike for the first time or learn to pump to get the swing going. That little push that prompts you to go out on a first date, call an old friend, try out for a part in a play, or apply for your first job are promising pushes that propel us forward. But other pushes are too hard and rough, those kinds of pushes whether well intended or not can push us down, make us fall, and hinder betterment in all kinds of ways.
This need to push a little with love versus the too-heavy push and shove is all about the dance we do with those we live and work with, the back-and-forth energy we use as we move together and apart to do our work, live our lives, create, and develop. I want to think more about pushing, both the positive pushes and the hurtful shoves--how can we help each other without pushing each other over? Good food for thought.
