When Gpa was first diagnosed with dementia, a co-worker told me about a pastoral counselor that was helping her family. I went and she was great.
After sharing my experience and frustration, the counselor observed that it was like I was told to push against a large rock and I thought it meant to move the rock. But this rock was so large it would be impossible to move.
This insight helped me tremendously then and even now. When I get frustrated with the way life is going, I stop and ask myself if I am trying to move a rock that won’t.
This weekend I went on a women’s retreat and had a chance to walk a labyrinth. The path weaves back and forth making a circle, doubling back several times, making a lovely Celtic pattern. Though in life it isn’t as much fun doubling back time and again.
However, later, I had a thought about that rock. The one I tried to move by pushing. The thought is this, maybe I am just supposed to stand next to the rock.
Just stand next to the rock.
Just stand.