Wednesday, November 09, 2005

I am not Elastigirl

So, I had a long talk on MSN this morning with my cousin Saryn, and it made me realise one of the hardest lesson of my adult life:

I am not a superhero.

While I can help people as far as it is within my power and proper boundaries, I can not fix people by myself. Much as I would like to, I can not fly in and rescue friends from potentially dangerous situations. I can not make decisions for other people.

I don't think I understood that, when I was younger. I tried to make many people's decisions for them. And that usually just left me frustrated, or in really dependent relationships (as other because convinced that I actually could solve their problems).

I can be a listening ear. I can give advice (although I'm learning not to give it so freely). I can help people in more tangible ways (help them move, etc.). I can speak the truth. I can love. However, only God can change a heart, and all I can do is pray and follow Him.

And so, while this realisation is frustrating at times (when I want to charge into a situation and make it better, or open up someone's head and re-wire them), it is freeing to give up that control. I'm not a superhero, but I'm learning to be okay with that.

6 comments:

Meg Persson said...

You'll always be a superhero to me, Mary.

Queen of West Procrastination said...

Awwww...

Anonymous said...

Most superheroes couldn't do the kinds of things you're describing anyway, Maryanne. Just telepaths, really (p.s. yes, I'm a geek. But you already knew that).

Besides, you are a superhero. We all know that Bruce Wayne is just another layer of cover for the real Batman...Maryanne!

I must go now. There is much silliness to be spread elsewhere.

Life of Turner said...

Good thoughts, Maryanne. And good work on writing a very Turner-esque post. Ah the voyage of self-discovery through blogging.

Derek out.

Queen of West Procrastination said...

Boooooo! This is not Turneresque! It's Maryanne-esque!

Life of Turner said...

Hey, I'm willing to admit when I post blogs that are reminiscent of others' styles. All I'm saying is that it is written like a Turner post. It's not a bad thing, really.

Derek out.