Ventilation

In “the pounding life inflicts upon us,” said an eminent physician, “Ventilation is deeply important…” referring, of course, to the opening up and airing out of our burdens, and problems⎯talking, listening, counseling and confiding. This use of the word “ventilation” is descriptive of something that all of us have to have. We all need someone to talk to, someone to counsel with⎯an outlet for our ideas, and for the pressures and worries that sometimes build up inside. Sometimes it is not so much specific advice that we need as simply someone to listen sincerely while we more or less talk to ourselves. This is part of the privilege of having an understanding family and thoughtful friends. There is another kind of so-called “ventilation” that we might consider, and that concerns the “symptoms” that worry and weigh upon us. If we don’t let in some light, we may imagine the worst. We need to consult people and find out the facts. If it is as bad as it seems, we need to know, and if it isn’t we need to know. “Do not distress yourself with dark imaginings,” wrote one writer. “Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.” Any of us at times may feel that we are carrying around the weight of the world, but by talking and listening we learn that other people also have their problems, and our own problems seem to lessen and lighten if only we let in the light. There is yet another side of this subject that pertains especially to young people, and that is the wisdom of seeking counsel from parents, from family, from wholesome and trustworthy sources. It is not wise or safe to be secretive about important decisions. Families should learn to confide, children to talk to parents; and parents to learn to listen understandingly with patience, to hear things out, and not to come too hastily to conclusions. ” People are lonely,” said Joseph Fort Newton, “because they build walls instead of bridges.” We should not close up and contain our troubles so tightly that they become ingrown or overemphasized. We should also confide prayerfully in Him whose children all of us are. We all need a sort of wholesome ventilation, seeking counsel, talking things out, confiding, facing facts, approaching problems with truth and intelligence⎯letting the light into our lives.