Love is an Honest Guide

There is an old parable about two dogs living inside us. One loving and kind and the other vicious and cruel. The student asks the master which one will eventually win. The master replies the one who is fed. The truth is, there are many dogs living inside us. Depending on the situation, we let one take the lead.

If I let my mind take charge, it is fine if it is a concrete situation that needs resolution. My mind will weigh the information that I have at hand and reach a conclusion. If I have decided to purchase something, this is usually best or I will have a model that has fifty accessories when I use only one. I look at cost and need and make a decision.

There have been times in my life when the part of my body taking the lead is a few feet lower. Though this part taking control sometimes produces short term gains, it has been my experience that having this part of me take charge ultimately results in more problems that I had before I put it in charge.

Just as dangerous, is putting my ego in charge of just about anything. It is a close ally most of the time with my genitalia. This may be dramatic and fun for outsiders to visit. It might even be funny to watch. I have come to realize that if I put my ego in charge, the results have over a ninety percent change of regrettable results.

Using any of these or a combination of these in most situations is, as I said, a recipe for disaster. First of all brain, decides to overthink. Two scenarios turn into two hundred. Ego suggests screaming or punching solves most everything. My genitalia wants a more direct approach. All together it is usually a little more dramatic than the Hindenburg disaster that was caught live on the radio.

However when I lean towards putting love and its close ally empathy in control, things are so much easier. I know just how to be empathetic. I know how to love. I have said before I can only control giving love, not getting it. My actions out of love may end up with some sadness. But they do not end up with regrets. From letting people go from my life to euthanizing a beloved pet. There was sadness yes but I knew it was the right thing to do.

When I reach out to someone using love as my guide, it is like the path gets lit up in front of me. I get to take me out of the situation and focus on you. What is best for you? What can I do for you? How can I help you? Just letting someone you love know you are there helps them. They may not call on you for help, but they know it will be there if it is asked for or needed.