There are occasions when we need the embrace of a friend who pulls our head close and whispers in our ear words of understanding, encouraging us not to quit, reminding us that life will go on, we will make it. Such embraces put steel into our bones. They help us make it through the night.
And then there are times when that same person may take us by the shoulders, hold us at arm's length, and confront us with the hard truth, 'Now listen to this, I can't agree with you. I must be honest with you, I think what you are doing is wrong." That is not a time for embracing. But for a life to stay balanced, both affirmation and accountability are needed.
The longer I live, the more I want to listen to wise people. not so much intelligent people as wise people. A person who is wise not only has intelligence, but understands life and can help put it all together.
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