No one has ever accused me of being “sensitive.” Most of the time I come off as “aloof,” and the spouse one of my hospice patients, no doubt expecting more empathy or sympathy to his plight (never mind the patient’s) than I could muster, described me as a “cold fish.” I took no offense.
Like any personal defining characteristic, “being sensitive” can be both a blessing and a curse. Certainly I’ve found this to be true of many pastors and their continuing struggle to balance being “pastoral” but also “leaders” and “effective” at the same time.
Adele McDowell shares her thoughts on “Is being sensitive a blessing of a curse?” As for myself, the best I can say is that continual work on my “emotional intelligence” has helped me at least to appreciate other people’s sensitivity. But I’m not ready to “share your pain” yet. I’m more than willing to let you own your own pain. However, if you ever feel you need a kick in the pants to get you back on track or going in the right direction, I’m your guy.
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“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” William James
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