For your consideration……
While I am not sure why, today’s message has some urgency. It came both in my dreams and then again in meditation.
Turning the other cheek is not about setting yourself up to be “slapped” again or about being a doormat. It is about being the better example. It is about setting ourselves up for success in the next moment, friendship, relationship etc.
When we choose to just “let it go” and be the better example we keep ourselves whole. We do not let ourselves become fractioned. We do not lose a part of ourselves.
How about a couple of examples? A long-term relationship or marriage has reached the end of its endurance. Perhaps our partner is going for broke and is bitter. You loved this person once. You choose to leave them with as much comfort as you can. You choose not to take every stick of furniture and wipe out the bank accounts.
Or maybe you belong to a club or organization and are deeply involved in the many good works they do. At some point you are insulted or start to feel unappreciated and over used. You know you need to quit. Do you storm out mad and declare it the end? Or do you give them your resignation and complete the tasks you signed up to do?
Perhaps you have a friend or relative that has become angry with you. They say you said or did something that offended or hurt them. But you didn’t do it. Or if you did it was not intended to hurt them. Do you enter into the disagreement defending yourself? Or do you simply apologize and reiterate your love….as many times as necessary?
When family members die, there is often arguments about “stuff”. Is that really the best way to honor a loved one? Is there really anything worth more than love….love for each other or our passed loved one? What do you think they are saying from the other side?
We have all heard the saying, “God does not give us more than we can handle.” Sometimes it feels like he is giving us “stretch” goals. But when we find ourselves in these unpleasant….even hurtful…..disagreements. We have a choice. We always have a choice.We get to choose our attitude. We get to choose how we look at it. We get to choose how we handle it.
Today we are asked to consider that these unpleasant moments….disagreements….are teaching moments. These are opportunities for growth. We can choose to keep ourselves whole and be the example we want to see perpetuated…..or not.
Consider taking the “high road”. That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take……
-Meditate/pray…..be up close and personal with your highest self.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Drink lots of water…..1/2 your body weight…..each day.
-Love today. Don’t wish away your week.
What made me smile yesterday…….
-A beautiful day at Stillwater.
-A good book.
-Catching up with Carol…..way too long.
-Joyous Alex.
-Having a glass on wine with my neighbor, Hollie.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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