So I woke up this morning with a sore throat, a horrible headache, and other maladies not fit for writing on this page.
It was a "bad start".
I had to shuffle my schedule because I was to visit someone in the hospital and felt I might expose him to some of my physical woes; since he is in critical condition already, I did not want to add to his considerable pain and discomfort.
But I had to work. Much to do after two weeks of being away. No time to go back to bed--which I really didn't want to do any way--but onward and forward, as they say!
It's two hours later and I have had a productive morning. My headache has subsided. I am still wrestling with allergies and a sore throat, but I have worked past the "bad start" that seemed to threaten the whole day, and am now feeling as if I can survive!
Here's my point. Sometimes the start of the day can define the rest of the day unless we intentionally change our mindset. If we're sick, then staying home and caring for our physical needs may be what's needed. But more often than not for me, it is a matter of gritting my teeth, praying to God for strength and grace for the day, and then, moving forward in anticipation of something better.
I've worked past my "bad start"; how about you?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Speaking the truth in love
I had an encounter this week from which I emerged with some conflicting feelings--I felt hurt, I was humbled, I was helped.
I was hurt because I did not hear what I wanted to hear. My "confronter" spoke kindly, but forcefully and accurately. He was very careful not to be accusative but pointed out some mutual concerns in our relationship that were obviously creating some discomfort for him. I needed to hear him, even though it was painful.
I was humbled because in my heart I had to acknowledge he was right, There were some things about what I was saying and doing that reflected poorly upon our relationship For it to continue in a healthy way, changes needed to be made and most of them rightfully had to be my responsibility.
I was helped because I listened and chose to learn--to accept and own my part if we were to be able to move forward. he spoke the truth in love--a scriptural mandate-=-and I was able to receive it and, now, to process it, and, with God's help, act on it.
Speaking the truth in love, when I am the speaker, affords me an opportunity to be heard. Receiving the truth spoken in love if I am the listener accelerates my willingness to act responsibly towards it.
I was hurt because I did not hear what I wanted to hear. My "confronter" spoke kindly, but forcefully and accurately. He was very careful not to be accusative but pointed out some mutual concerns in our relationship that were obviously creating some discomfort for him. I needed to hear him, even though it was painful.
I was humbled because in my heart I had to acknowledge he was right, There were some things about what I was saying and doing that reflected poorly upon our relationship For it to continue in a healthy way, changes needed to be made and most of them rightfully had to be my responsibility.
I was helped because I listened and chose to learn--to accept and own my part if we were to be able to move forward. he spoke the truth in love--a scriptural mandate-=-and I was able to receive it and, now, to process it, and, with God's help, act on it.
Speaking the truth in love, when I am the speaker, affords me an opportunity to be heard. Receiving the truth spoken in love if I am the listener accelerates my willingness to act responsibly towards it.
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