I'm Going to Counseling

I met with a friend the other day who is going through some struggles. She’s been walking a path lately that’s led to some hard consequences, but her heart desires to follow God and take a different path.
We were processing this together and making plans to head down the right road.
As she was sharing a few of her struggles with me, I validated her in understanding what she was going through. During our conversation, she looked at me like I had two heads, after I told her I had just come from an appointment with a Christian counselor.

You see, she thought I was going through life just fine, without any problems. 

“Every time I hear someone talk about you, they talk about how good you’re doing and how great life is for you,” she said.
I just laughed. She was confused. She assumed that I no longer have problems, that I handle every situation perfectly, and that life is perfect for me. Not even close!

Life isn’t perfect for me. It’s not perfect for anyone.

Lately, my heart has been heavy. It hasn’t been in a good place and I haven’t been able to put my finger on the one thing causing it. Turns out it may be more than one thing.
So, I decided I needed a tune up. I needed to go process my heart with someone who specializes in that. And so I did.
I sat down on the couch of a Christian counselor and I shared my struggles with her. I talked. She listened. She talked. I listened. She made suggestions and I soaked up her advice.
Now, today, it is my job to apply those suggestions to my life. And I’m excited about them. I’m excited to work on my heart and strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Life will never be perfect.

No matter your spiritual walk with Christ, you will always have things to work on. That goes for me, you, and the neighbor next door.
Does this mean life isn’t great? Absolutely not. It means life is real. It means we are constantly fighting a spiritual battle against the enemy.

Let’s fight together. 

My vulnerability and transparency was freeing to my friend, because it was a reminder she wasn’t the only one struggling. It was a reminder whether you are mopping floors, leading a ministry, teaching children, bandaging patients, and anything else, none of us are above the other.
We’re all God’s children. We were all created in His image. We all struggle. It’s inevitable.
I write this to you as encouragement. Perhaps you’ve been considering counseling, but your pride says, “no way.” Maybe you need a tune up in an area of your life.
Not that you need permission, but I want to tell you today that it’s ok. Go get that tune up. You never know who it will inspire to do the same.

Your transparency and vulnerability could lead others to walk down a road of light vs. darkness.

Isn’t it worth it, if it only changes one person? I think so.
Here’s to walking through your struggles with you!
When has your vulnerability been an example to others? Share in the comments below. I’d love to hear about it…