Hmmm...that means I need to reinsert my spinal column and take both responsibility and control over my life.
I've been told that I'm extremely empathetic. Add that to my personality where I want to make the world a better place, and it's setting me up for some big challenges.
Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers...and I like to keep the peace. I don't like conflict and I will go to the ends of the earth for peace and harmony.
I have to realize that not everyone else feels the same way I do. There are some people who like to cause strife and trouble, and truly can't be happy for others. Proverbs 10:12 has been a guiding principal for me in dealing with others:
Hatred stirs up strife, love covers all offenses
To paraphrase Mother Teresa, do all things with love. I read about Brother Lawrence years ago and that stayed with me. He peeled potatoes for the glory of G-d. Even did dishes for His honor. There's a lot to be said for going about your day like that.
Whenever I make a phone call or send an email, I try to say a quick prayer for the person on the other end. There are some people that are harder than others to pray for, but I guess that's why I've chosen this as my discipline.
Like a moth to a flame, I tend to attract people who are negative by nature. I don't intend to do that, it just happens. What's been the most maddening for me is knowing that no matter what I do, it's probably not enough for them, and that they will find fault in all. Not that I'm bragging, but I'm a good person with many talents and I think that there are folks who can't stand for anyone other than them to have success. It's sad that we can't all celebrate happiness together, but for some it's just not happening.
I wish I could wave a magic wand and let people look on the bright side of life. I wish they could just see the good in others. One of my favorite Scripture passages sums it up perfectly:
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:3-5
It's this whole attitude of finding fault in others while ignoring your own faults. Bullying is a prevalent topic lately, and rightfully so. The unfortunate part is that bullies grow up. If they were unchecked as kids, they think that behavior is ok.
This is nothing new-Jesus spoke about it 2000 years ago. It's time we listened.
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