When I think of this principle it seems very simple, but in real life it can actually be very hard. I think the hardest of circumstances would be in moments where people aren't treating you very kindly. I am not writing this post because someone has hurt my feelings or been unkind, but I am writing it because I believe it happens to all of us at moments.
I have been in circumstances many times where I have been treated unkindly or, unfortunately, where I have treated someone else unkindly. It happens, it's life, and a frustrating part at that. Why is it sometimes so hard to let things roll off your back, even the smallest things.
I am, by nature, a very non-confrontational person. I hate confrontation and if I do have to confront someone I generally become very emotional. It's a curse, but I can't help it (no matter how hard I try). If someone hurts me, I generally vent to Andy about it (poor soul) and let it go. Usually this is because 1) I don't have the gall to confront them and 2) it usually isn't worth stirring the pot for. Sometimes people need to be approached and sometimes we need to forgive and forget. For me, I generally go with the latter.
I truly believe that most contention, at least in my social and family circles, is unintentional. We can choose to stir it a little or we can choose to leave it. It's sometimes hard to know what's right. I have no gage really, except the golden rule. Maybe it should go...Do unto others as you would have done unto you, especially when they are making your life miserable? Love them anyway? Hard, people, it's hard - but I really believe it's possible.
Like I said, I am not even close to mastering this but I am grateful for a little golden rule to remind me how I should be treating others. How I treat them face to face and how I treat them in their absence - both are equally important. I think being kind to people, especially when we don't see eye to eye, is one of the simplest gifts. It costs nothing (except maybe our pride) and can change the way others see us and the way we see ourselves. I don't think we'd ever be ashamed to say we were kind to someone.
I found an adorable blog by a young lady named McKenzie Smith. She is so talented at graphic design and I couldn't help but find encouragement in some of the quotes she shared. Enjoy!
