I need to stop and remember how lucky I am to have the family, friends, and co-workers. If I thought about what life would be like without them, I would appreciate them more, and be warmer to them. I also need to think about the importance of every person I come across–the cashier, the deliveryman, the drive-thru attendant, and think about how they make my life easier and how stressful the day could be for them. If I thought that way, I would also be warmer and more appreciative of them.
I try to remember this verse in Ephesians:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I am not dealing with what is seen on the surface.
Sometimes it’s easier to be tender to those at a distance who are not “bumping up against me”. Yet I do not know all there is to know.
Wisdom and an open heart to help me see from God’s perspective what is needed.
That’s a question written for me for today – thank you. Love and gratitude toward the one, who will be receptive. Love toward the young one who will be less receptive and toward whom my love is weaker – what else toward the young one – I’ll continue to ponder. Gratitude is coming to mind – surprise surprise – that’s what I’ll focus on – it is giving me good feelings toward the young one and inside myself. Love feels like such a complex and messy emotion, as compared with, simply, gratitude!
Not judging someone else’s struggle. Your mountain may be my mole hill. It’s important to meet the other person where they are, not where I think they should be.
Like an old fashioned blackboard, it can be helpful to wipe things clean at the end of the day with those we know. My teen can be a bit difficult these days, but i can start each day with a clean board and “no history” and it will allow me to be more tender.
Dear Holly – gratitude leaped up for me when answering the question with regard to the tween grandchild I’ll see today, who left me ringing the doorbell for 4o min Fri at suppertime when the door code wasn’t working for me. ‘They’ was such a dear and so fond of me when they were young. They said, ‘I’m not supposed to open the door at night/to strangers [one of those]’ – but the door has a window, and they knew I was coming. Sigh. Time to work on that gratitude again. Warm wishes to you and lots of gratitude for you 🙂
Since the giver in any human transaction IS also the primary benefactor of the giving /…be it tenderness, aka “love” etc / the “what would allow” could only be my relaxed / non- judgemental / openness to “life as it is” t0day.
To have a positive mind set by not continually looking at the news. Focusing on the present and what it has to offer. Being compassionate to me and continual positive self talk and self appreciation. By looking after my mental and emotional health I can then be there for others.
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That everyone is doing their best to get through their day. Some do it with more ease than others.
You never know how your act of kindness, no matter how small, can uplift and impact others.
I need to stop and remember how lucky I am to have the family, friends, and co-workers. If I thought about what life would be like without them, I would appreciate them more, and be warmer to them. I also need to think about the importance of every person I come across–the cashier, the deliveryman, the drive-thru attendant, and think about how they make my life easier and how stressful the day could be for them. If I thought that way, I would also be warmer and more appreciative of them.
By letting go of “my self “ and letting others be.
Antoinette, this is exactly what I needed today. Thank you 🙏
Sharing Christine’s frown… perhaps emulate a flower in the garden – not doing anything in particular, other than bloom.
We are all sentient beings, worthy of dignity and respect. (No matter how much I disagree with them).
I try to remember this verse in Ephesians:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I am not dealing with what is seen on the surface.
Sometimes it’s easier to be tender to those at a distance who are not “bumping up against me”. Yet I do not know all there is to know.
Wisdom and an open heart to help me see from God’s perspective what is needed.
Mindfulness
That’s a question written for me for today – thank you. Love and gratitude toward the one, who will be receptive. Love toward the young one who will be less receptive and toward whom my love is weaker – what else toward the young one – I’ll continue to ponder. Gratitude is coming to mind – surprise surprise – that’s what I’ll focus on – it is giving me good feelings toward the young one and inside myself. Love feels like such a complex and messy emotion, as compared with, simply, gratitude!
Ah, Mica! Thank you for sharing this 🙏
Not judging someone else’s struggle. Your mountain may be my mole hill. It’s important to meet the other person where they are, not where I think they should be.
Like an old fashioned blackboard, it can be helpful to wipe things clean at the end of the day with those we know. My teen can be a bit difficult these days, but i can start each day with a clean board and “no history” and it will allow me to be more tender.
Dear Holly – gratitude leaped up for me when answering the question with regard to the tween grandchild I’ll see today, who left me ringing the doorbell for 4o min Fri at suppertime when the door code wasn’t working for me. ‘They’ was such a dear and so fond of me when they were young. They said, ‘I’m not supposed to open the door at night/to strangers [one of those]’ – but the door has a window, and they knew I was coming. Sigh. Time to work on that gratitude again. Warm wishes to you and lots of gratitude for you 🙂
Since the giver in any human transaction IS also the primary benefactor of the giving /…be it tenderness, aka “love” etc / the “what would allow” could only be my relaxed / non- judgemental / openness to “life as it is” t0day.
To have a positive mind set by not continually looking at the news. Focusing on the present and what it has to offer. Being compassionate to me and continual positive self talk and self appreciation. By looking after my mental and emotional health I can then be there for others.
Your reflection resonates with me:)
I like this, Devy. 🙂
One does not know everything about them… being tender is being kind. Always start with a smile:)
Acceptance.