Choices

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Thought for the day: "In the situations where I want to come unglued, I always have the choice to be a reactor or a responder."

Hmmmm...which do I want to be? Well obviously we all want to be a responder. Someone who is thoughtful, kind, gentle, and thinks things through before they act. But those who know me...know that is sooooo not me! I am a big time reactor. Probably a nuclear reactor!! It is such a natural reaction that sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it. The author suggests asking yourself the following questions...and I'm quoting her:

1.  Do I want to escalate this conflict or dissipate it?
2.  Do I want more trouble or more grace in my life?
3.  Do I want to be known as harsh or gentle?
4.  Do I want to get my own way or help find a resolution?
5.  Which do I care more about - demanding my rights or displaying right choices?

Those are all very valid questions. And in the heat of the moment...I certainly hope that I remember some of them.

A while ago, at work, I used to be known as the mean one. That really bummed me out when someone told me. I never thought of myself as mean. I always thought I treated people with respect and kindness, but evidently I was not. I think for the most part, I've lost that part of my reputation, although many know it can still be a part of me. The hardest part for me right now, is working with those difficult people that I just...don't...like! Whether it be a personality conflict or because I don't like their behavior, I still have to work with them. I still have to be professional. I still have to be a better person than what I have been. I don't want to jeopardize my job for them. So this is when I really need to step back and think of those questions...and add...are they worth getting so upset about. What I really need to do...is pray. And quite honestly...I don't do enough of that.

The scripture for today says:
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

How encouraging! God doesn't want me to be scared! God doesn't want me to be a cranky old lady! God wants me to have self-discipline and self-control! I want those things too! 

So...I will continue to work on being a responder instead of a reactor. I will try my best to remember those questions when a difficult situation arises. I will remind myself, REPEATEDLY, that just because I don't like someone...God still loves them. Therefore, I need to be mindful and thoughtful of my actions and my words. 

I can do this.