|
| Quote from George Bernard Shaw that inspires me" This is the true life of joy: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." | | |
| On identity and worthWhat a great perspective from Christian author Ann Kiemel Anderson: "Jesus, I like what I am because it was Your idea. Help me to find adventure in my uniqueness and not want to be what someone else is. God, if I lose sight of the fun of being me, then Your dreams of what I can become in the world will die. Always help me to remember that I am Your way of being creative." Isn't this full of laughter and freedom!! | | |
| Life Journey: next chapter"Does this sound like someone you know? *Always needs to be right *Tells you who you are and what you think *Implies that you're wrong or inadequate when you don't agree *Is threatened by people who are "different" *Feels attacked when questioned *Doesn't seem to really hear or see you" From Controlling People by Patricia Evans "Good relationships preserve each person's dignity, choice, freedom and equality as a person." From Boundaries in Interpersonal Communication by Henry Cloud, p. 63 ( I think that's the name of the book) | | |
| Growing PainsI guess we need to be aware of the possible consequences of analyzing each other's character. We all do it, so no one can point an innocent finger at another. As extroverts especially, we need to analyze out loud. ( I know I do!) Unfortunately, there are some unhappy pitfalls which accompany analyzing with each other about others. Is it fair to say that it creates a "one-up-man-ship" on the part of the analyzers toward the analyzees? That the analyzers might begin to believe they understand the mind and motive of the one(s) they analyze? That the analyzers can begin to feel negatively toward those they analyze? (Maybe we only tend to analyze in negative situations?) We need to talk and process, but we probably need to be conscious and honest about how easily we sway ourselves and each other toward a distrust of others, or of not believing the best or of not giving the other the benfit of the doubt. It's really sad when friendships become weakened, or even broken, because of our talking about each other. I wonder what the loving, Godly way to process difficulties looks like? I'm sure I don't know. Lord, guide and direct! And protect relationships! Deep friendships are such rare, treasured gifts! | | |
| Evaluating, understanding, or ???I wonder where the line is drawn between knowing a person and pigeonholing him/her? Where do we cross over from a comfortable "knowing" into a suffocating "labeling"? I guess we, as humans, need to remember that others are as complex and unknowable as we are. Also, that our own life experience is limited; consequently, does not provide a vast enough grid on which to analyze and comprehend others. If we are, indeed, created in the image of God, then "knowing" each other is a deep, mysterious, awe-inspiring journey. Our fallen nature pushes us to criticize, dislike and diss each other. How much of that is because we don't like things that are different than we are? As a believer, I need people with me who will encourage me to love others, appreciate differences, practice patience, seek to encourage and strengthen others. As Ed Statler once said, "We know that relationships are of ultimate importance because they are so incredibly difficult." Lord, help me to see others as You see them...and to have a proper evaluation of myself. | | |
|
