I recently discovered the beautiful Celtic writings of John O'Donohue. Today I've been reading "To Bless the Space Between Us:  A Book of Blessings."  "A blessing is not a sentiment or a question; it is a gracious invocation where the human heart pleads with the divine." 

About a week ago, I had an encounter that while entering in good faith, became a negative experience.  It's easy to sink into our own woundedness when we're hurt or disappointed.  I found this blessing today and drew solace from it.  Perhaps this will comfort and support you after a difficult encounter that you may face.

"Now that you have entered with an open heart

Into a complex and fragile situation,

Hoping with patience and respect

To tread softly over sore ground in order

That somewhere beneath the raw estrangement

Some fresh spring of healing might be coaxed

To release the grace for a new journey

Beyond repetition and judgment,

And have achieved nothing of that,

But emerged helpless, and with added hurt...

Withdraw for a while into your own tranquility,

Loosen from your heart the new fester.

Free yourself of the wounded gaze

That is not yet able to see you.

Recognize your responsibility for the past.

Don't allow your sense of yourself to wilt.

Draw deep from your own dignity.

Temper your expectation to the other's limits,

And take your time carefully,

Learning that there is a time for everything

And for healing too,

But that now is not that time..yet."

Go gcumhdai Dia thu - May God come to your assistance