There is only one way, and yet, it is not the way of others

I often listen to the counsel an advice of others.  I love it because I have learned that there are as many different perspectives and experiences as there are people.  This is a wonderful thing and as we come to realize this, we learn to listen better.  But I will warn you.  There is danger in this also.  Often we come to think that we either know the answers for other people, that others know without a doubt the answers for us, or that doing exactly what others advice us will have identical results in us, just as much as it did in them.

This is the WARNING!

First, to those who think they have the answers for others.  HOW DARE YOU!!!!   Seriously, do you think that your are so brilliant you can advice others in the concerns and choices for their life.  Do you think you understand why they do, think, or behave the way they do?  You have NOT lived their life.  You cannot understand.  "judge not that ye be not judged"  You want to share your experiences, great. You want to tell someone how simple it is...YOU BETTER NOT.  You don't know.  Something that might be simply for you, might be the hardest thing in the world to them.  

Second, to those who think that others have the answers for them.  Look at our world.  Self help books, self improvement books are top selling.  People are desperate to find the answers to their struggles.  Others make oodles of money sharing "what I did"  So easy,  You too will end up just like me if you just do this one thing.  We look for the easiest path.  We look for others to tell us what to do.  I know that this will most often result in disappointment and the purchase of more and more books.  This I think is one of the biggest mistakes of our lives.  We are too afraid to find our own answers.  Here is the most interesting part, just to show you what I mean.  The people who are sharing with you what they did, well, they are not sharing what others told them to do.  They figures our for themselves what was best for them.  Why would they think that if they had to figure out what was "just right" for them, others don't have to do the same thing?

You are responsible for finding our your path.  Listen to others,  seek to understand, and then finally and most importantly, ask your Heavenly Father.  He is the only one who knows all about you.  He is your father.  He loves you and will help you find your path.  The only one that will lead to your success, your joy, and your potential.

There is one path.  The path to healing and peace is through your Savior Jesus Christ.  He knows the one path for you.  That path that is as unique as your are.  Please do not fall into the trap thinking that others know the best thing for you.

I wish you the best.