Advice...

So the other day I decided to write about something that has been on my mind for a while, something that has caused me frustration and sorrow and doubt in my capabilities to help someone when they really need it. But that post sounded too much like I was complaining and filled completely with despair and hopelessness. So I hope this one's better.

It's difficult when a friend of yours is hurting and it seems like you can't do much to help except listen. I didn't mind listening, but I felt like I could be doing more. I couldn't understand why sometimes people ignore the solution to their problems, even when it's right in front of them. I wanted to help, but everything I tried just didn't seem to be doing any good. Sure I was able to comfort and reassure, but that didn't solve anything. As someone once told me, sometimes people need to learn their lesson on their own, and I was beginning to realize this was one of those times.
Yet I still felt obligated to do more than I had.
Then, I received this advice: I'm not God. It was a simple statement but it made me realize I can do all the listening and advising I want, but in the end I don't have the answers and I don't have a plan. He does. And His plan is far greater than anything I could ever imagine.
So really, all I can do is be a friend and trust that that's enough.