Space.

"Just letting someone speak their truth can sometimes be the biggest gift you can give them, to just hold the space for them."
​ - Amanda Palmer

So often, when those close to us are spilling out the stirrings within their hearts, the musings of their minds, or the ambivalent complexities of their lives, their convictions and their strife, our inclination is to want to resolve the tension, to rectify it. 

Our intrinsic drive, with the utmost of intentions, says that our input is needed, wanted. We feel compelled to give our advice, to share our own experiences, and to do everything that is in our power to dissipate the conflicts they are journeying through. 

But that isn't always what people need.
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"When we're growing up, there are all sorts of people telling us what to do when really what we need is space to work out who to be."
-Ellen Page

No matter how percipient you may be, sometimes quiet SPACE is what people really need. This space is not an abandoned place, where one is left to work out the inner dealings of his or her own heart in isolation. Space means being there. 

We are not meant to grab the tiller, the boom, or to shift their sails. And no matter how strong the desire, we cannot be the wind, for that is eminent as the work of God's breath. Rather, we are to be like the mast. Sturdy, steadfast, and supportive, there to hold up the hoisted sails, whichever way they may shift and blow. 
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Space means being there. Space means listening while they talk it out, to make sense of it in their own heart and head. Space means no judgement, no condemnation, just compassion, grace, and absolving love.

Space means letting them know that as they navigate the wayward and whimsical winds and waves of life, that we will remain on board. We will hearten and fortify them out of love, no matter which way they may choose to direct their sails.

After all, isn't embracing the journey what life is all about? 
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"Allow the people in your life to be vulnerable, to navigate the storm, explore their emotions, and find their own way." 
-Calm App