In So Many Words 2.15

A kind and rather wise person once told me that our reactions say as much about our spirit as our actions do. We may strive to offer sweet words, well-meaning advice, a helping hand-- but the real test of the pith of our character is our reactions. When someone throws you an insult, slaps your ego right across its face, or steps on your toes, how you act in that moment says as much about you as anything else. And, let's be honest, stuff is going to make us so angry we could spit. We're wonderfully fallible and imperfect human beings, and anger is a healthy, normal emotion. But the manner in which we act upon that anger may not always be so healthy or gracious.

There have been so many times that I have reacted in anger--and tossed out some words as bitter and tasteless as vinegar. I've seen the pain on other people's faces because of those words. The bad thing about words: once they're free, there's no catching them again. There's just the hoping that you can repair them with  more words--butter-soft and sweet ones. And, when sometimes that doesn't work, we often find ourselves wishing we had swallowed the gall of our anger originally.

These thoughts have just weighed heavily on my mind lately: to learn to be good and kind even when doing that seems impossible or pointless. I don't know if that means anything to you, but it does to me.

In So Many Words 1.14

My quote for the day.

I've been thinking a good deal lately about rowing my own boat and minding my own business. Not in such a way that I become callous to others and their problems. But rather, focusing on how to improve my own self rather than nitpicking others flaws, issues, or complications. I think all to often its easier to think about how I could improve others rather than how I could improve myself. And my efforts are not always helpful...and instead maybe just critical. 

I think the verse I read this morning puts it rather plainly as well. Don't be so focused on the tiny splinter in your brother's eye that you miss the wood beam in your own eye.  The metaphor of wood and beams and splinter bits poking about in people's eyeballs is enough to make my skin crawl. But really, the attitude behind that mentality should make my skin crawl. How sad would it be to amplify someone else's minute flaw and yet be blind to my own huge problem? I wonder how often I have done this. I know its something I need to work on in the future and think the above quote sums it up. To be proactive -- everyday praying, meditating, and seeking away to improve myself spiritually and naturally. That way, I won't be treading on others to vainly elevate myself. 

A Road Less Traveled

Today is full of new things that are keeping me busy-bee hurried, so unfortunately I don't have time for a post full of creativity and wit. Instead, I thought I might share a favorite quote. It's sort of a family motto--something I've had repeated to me, in one fashion or another, since childhood. Be your own happy. A task much harder than it sounds...