The story...
"When somebody engages you in an emotional interaction that's fueling painful reactions - drop the rope - quit playing tug of war." I remember hearing this advice and contemplating the potential value. Refuse to play in arguments and emotional bondage exchanges - drop the rope and diffuse the virtual tug of war. I applied this wisdom for a few weeks and I was surprised how often I'd been falling into the trap of debating opinions and arguing against another person's perspective, life view, or opinion. Alternatively, I could demonstrate respect for the other person by listening to and seeking to understand them - I didn't have to agree or disagree with them. I could show love and respect for me while allowing them to be who they were - relationship might actually grow.
Even if you believe you won the argument, the old adage remains: "Convince me against my will and I will be of the same opinion still." People within the only church in town will frequently be at different stages of their life and faith - I hope that they'll be gifted with hope, peace, and grace along the way.
Just for today...
"Some of us have a constant drive to do something about everything that happens, everything that someone says to us . . . When I react, I put the control of my peace of mind in the hand of others." One Day at a Time (p. 259)
"Nothing is good or bad, it is thinking that makes it so." William Shakespeare
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