refocus and delight

AFTER THE COUNSELING TRAINING: THE LEARNING CONTINUES. I completed a christian counseling training course a few years ago. Initially, I wanted to volunteer as a counselor at the church ministry. I found out later during the course that I wouldn't be able to volunteer because the ministry doesn't offer online counseling services.

I learned more about myself than what I have ever expected after the training. I learned that I can switch my focus from fixing to soothing. It took a lot of practice to reach the level of being fully present in the moment and being a good listener. It is truly amazing how God has transformed me to help others.

I may not be in a church counseling ministry at the moment, but God is using me to care for my friends in need of a listening ear. I realized that during deep, meaningful conversations, God reveals insights that broaden my perspective on extending grace to others. In a recent conversation with a friend who wanted to lash out to a family member, I told her it was not a good idea.

We all have expectations and most of the time, people disappoint us and we disappoint them. When the choices they make don't live up to our expectations, we get upset and perhaps some of us try to 'put them in their place'. The moment my friend expressed her intention to do so, it was like a lightbulb flashed before me. Unless it's a life and death situation, we don't have to defend ourselves and put people in their respective places. I realized that no matter how hard we defend ourselves, some people don't have the capacity to comprehend or the willingness to try. If we reflect on the reason for the hurt inflicted on us, sometimes we can tell that others don't feel loved, most importantly, by God.

I am grateful for the counseling training and the presence of the Holy Spirit when I have unplanned counseling sessions with friends. Every session becomes an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to guide me in having the right words to say. I am always in awe of the power of God in changing people's lives for the better.