Do you remember the elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son? He wanted the privileges of being a son, but not the obligations that came with being a brother. And because he couldn't celebrate his brother's return, it cost him his joy. Contrary to what you may have heard, speaking critical words doesn't make you feel better, it just makes you more miserable and keeps the issue alive. The Bible says, 'Pleasant words are...healing to the body' (Proverbs 16:24 AMP).
If you value your opinions more than your friends, you'll defend your opinions and destroy your friendships. When conflicts arise, step back and look at what's really important. Give others the benefit of the doubt. When working with yourself, use your head; when working with others, use your heart. Learn to be flexible. Thomas Jefferson said, 'In matters of principle stand like a rock; in matters of taste swim with the current.' Don't major in minors, and stop fighting over things that ultimately make no difference. Be gracious with others in the same way God is gracious with you. Mature love allows someone who has failed to ease out of the situation with their dignity intact. Once you've made your point, back off!
In life, you're always going to have disagreements. They'll either give you ulcers or give you understanding - the choice is yours. Don't over-react. When conflict arises make it a time to learn, not lose. If you're serious about building good relationships, live by the words, 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself'.
Disagreements usually just end up making me laugh these days. I had a disagreement with a friend this morning, and i am still just laughing about it two hours later. Some of us behave in rather humorous ways when we are trying to make a point.
I went outside to weed when we started arguing, and his little head kept poking around the side of the house to yell out more reasons why he thought he was right. Every couple of minutes - head poke - yell - head disappeared - head poke - yell - head disappear. It was the funniest thing that i have seen in ages and i couldn't help but just laugh at him.
My laughter ended the argument, pretty much. He just started laughing as well. I hope none of my neighbours were watching us. They would think we were nuts!
Anyway - weeding pretty much done for the day. What started out as a beautiful first day to the school holidays has now clouded over, and gone yuck. I managed a 7 k walk with Nixon yesterday, and got a nice start to my summer tan. I then proceeded to crash out half way through the All Blacks vs Argentina game. That was painful to watch. Almost as painful as trying to understand the speed talking, newspaper ripping up, teeth grinding Martin Devlin.
The ABs are going to have to play a lot better than that if they are going to beat Australia next weekend.
Yikes.
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