She's the picture 

Of a heart of gold.

On the edge of depression and unknown.

And a picture

Of the wrong high road.

Hanson

---

I'd like to think that I can empathize well with people and whatever current situation they are in, but I also  recently realized that empathy (and sympathy) is never really enough. Especially when a friend is feeling low as he or she faces a great obstacle in life, such as a death of a loved one or simply when something goes wrong (because life is like that sometimes). We often use the phrase "I'm just here" and while that offers assurance, it has dawned on me that being "here" isn't really enough. 

Sometimes I honestly feel bad when I am incapable of saying or doing things for friends to make them feel better. I guess I really just don't know how to deal with others' sadness too well; after all, I have gotten so used to me being sad while everyone else around me are several notches higher with regards to the level of happiness. But I believe that I've always been a good listener and I really try my best to be encouraging towards those going through some tough times. I'm no superhero nor am I aiming for that, but sometimes I wish I could just take one's pain and sadness away in a snap. If it were possible, I wouldn't mind if they transfer all their hurt unto me just so they could be happy again. Like I said, I'm used to being the sad and emotional one. 

Everyone gets sad once in a while, but I don't like it when the people I love feel that way. SIGH. It hurts me when they're sad, but I think it hurts me even more that I become so helpless because sometimes there really is nothing I can do to make things better for them. For instance, how do I take away all the pain from Apps' heart so that she would no longer burst into tears every now and then? I can't. I wish I could so bad, but I can't. And if I had the power to, I would mend a relationship in an instant. I don't have it in me, but I know for sure God will certainly make all things better. When there's nothing left to do for people or when there are no words left to comfort them, the best thing to do  is to pray unto God that everything works out well for them. 

I guess I just feel bad when things are going so well for me (when I'm in such a happy state) but others have to deal with unhappiness -- it really is unfair. I wish I could give them an ounce or two of my happiness, in exchange for their pain, to lessen their suffering, but we know it doesn't really work that way. Sometimes sadness takes time to heal. 

When words and actions become insufficient, prayers can do wonders. I need to remind myself of this more often. After all, God has all the power to turn circumstances around, not I. As it is written: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

God will make things work out for the best, guys. In due time. Just hang in there. 

(And I'm just here -- if there is ever a need for an awkward smile. Or laugh. Or ears. Or maybe even a hug.)