How do you eat an entire elephant?

I had a conversation with my boyfriend tonight that really made me think. It made me think how much something you say or do can have such a lasting impact on someone. And this isn't the first time I've thought of this. Actually, I was thinking about it earlier today.

This may get a little personal, but there are only a few people who are going to read this, so I think it's okay that they here this: I have a friend (well a few friends) who are struggling right now for some reason or another; they aren't happy with where they are in life. Whether it be boy trouble, friend trouble, job trouble,  school trouble, it's troubling them. Which troubles me. I'm the type of person who likes it when everything goes perfect (which is impossible considering we live in such a sinful world), so when I see my friends dealing with such things and seeing them struggle, I feel like I need to help. Unfortunately, my help can also sometimes suck.

Back to my conversation with my boyfriend. We were talking about how someone was struggling and how when people struggle, they become frustrated and say or do things they don't mean. I do it all the time. Then I feel like I need to shove my foot as far as possible into my mouth before I do something else dumb. Which frustrates me even more. Talk about a viscous circle. We digress. Anyway this person that I am talking about, well he said something that my boyfriend considered insulting and we started talking about it.

I'm don't get insulted easily. I find that if someone feels a certain way about me, they're probably right. Plus if I got worked up over the small things, I would have to deal with a lot more in my life and I just don't have the energy to do that.

But I took this "insult" as a compliment. It showed me that this person is comfortable enough around me to say something and know that I won't get worked up about it. From the beginning of know this person, I knew I was going to like him. He just had that "big brother" feel to him. In fact, if I had an older brother I'd want him to be like this person. And truthfully, I wouldn't mind him being my older brother. Because he's a cool guy. He's got a good head on his shoulders and he knows when to be fun and when to be serious. I feel comfortable knowing he's around if he's needed.

And I understand he's going through a rough spot in his life. And I respect him for not giving up. And I hope that he doesn't give up. And I hope that if there is something I can do, anything, that he won't be afraid to ask. That goes for anyone. Because I don't like to see anyone, especially my friends, struggle.

I hope this person will read this post. :)

How do you eat an entire elephant?
One plate at a time.