A few tidbits of advice gleaned over the years, shared with my kids as a Christmas gift a few years back--a book of pictures, their letters to me and my letters to them:
Deeply respect the concrete of belief into which people are anchored. Listen with animation...share your own joyfully and prudently.
To the extent that you are unlikeable, people can't hear your story.
God wants to help you write your story.
Keep your heart melted.
Park often on the spiritual side of your house.
Ponder what you are and what you aren't. Insight comes from both.
Minimize the divide between you and that person who could be helped by your gifts. If he could cross that divide, he would...therefore, go get him and lead him through the deep.
And, above all...
Feed your strength.
