If you've known me for any length of time, you probably know that I've been famous for sticking my foot in my mouth. I don't mean to do it, it just happens. Sometimes, it's no big deal. Other times, a simple misunderstanding can be a game changer.
I tend to be a bit of an over thinker. Maybe it was my childhood. Maybe it was the fact that I went through a string of bad relationships, including a marriage, and I tend to second guess everything. I've taken leaps of growth in this area of my life. But even a simple statement on my part, can alter someones perception of me, or of other people.
Now there's several specific situations (recent ones) that I could sight... but that wouldn't be very wise considering that I'm trying NOT to stick my foot in my mouth and cause any unnecessary problems. It just seems that in this area of my life, I tend to have been beating my head against the wall lately. And it's never intentional. It always comes from a good place in my heart.
I tend to not really stand up for much. So I guess in my mind, when I do take a strong, stubborn stance on something, I tend to assume that my opinion carries more weight than most people who just seem to complain about everything. I always have good/solid reasons for my stance, and it seems like the more I explain my position, and the reasoning behind it, the more I tend to spiral the conversation down until the whole thing explodes. Am I not an effective communicator? Can't my thoughts be seen for the purity, and simplicity in which they are intended? Why must people who are receiving my words only cling to certain ones, and not see the full picture of what I mean? I guess I make an effort to see to the heart of what someone is trying to say, and what they mean. There is something lost in this communication breakdown, and unfortunately, I seem to be the common denominator.
So, what's the solution? Do I keep my mouth shut, and not speak from my heart? Should I accept that some people, who are going down dangerous paths, just need to go it alone, and there's nothing I can do to stop? My intentions are to speak out of love and concern, not to rebuke a man or woman. Aren't we called to sharpen the thoughts of each other? Why must I be the one to concede to a debate, and admit that I'm the one with a narrow minded view point, when all I am doing is speaking love, and truth to someone I care for?
I always hate to admit when my Dad gives me pearls of wisdom. He's an interesting character, but he said something so simple that I already knew, but it was a gut check to me. "Sometimes you've just got to let people do what they're going to do, and be there to love them if and when they see the error of their ways". That wasn't word for word what he said, but that was the jist of it. Love people. Don't point out faults, and condemn a man for what you think is wrong. Just love on him or her, and let your love and compassion speak louder than your words. Be bold, but be gentle, and be compassionate and understanding, and pray for those around you.
No comments:
Post a Comment