More work?

You know, sometimes it can be very challenging to be neighborly.

I'm a friendly person as a rule. I like to smile, say "hi" or at least nod to acknowledge someone I see out in the community. I wave at crossing guards and flag men on road work as I pass. I like to engage the cashier or waitress who's serving me in a few words of courteous small talk, making an effort to say something complimentary or encouraging while I'm there.

Then there's the times that we run across the difficult people in our lives.

Should it be any different with them? Well, yes and no.

Yes, it should be different because it takes greater effort. No matter what emotion they stir, the same respect is due them as is due every other human being. The reality of what is going on in my heart comes to the surface immediately in a difficult situation. It's revealed in my immediate reaction!

And no, because when this happens it becomes an opportunity to put myself aside and consider the bigger picture; God loves them and wants to love them through me so, what would that look like in this situation? That is exactly the same motive behind my friendliness in the first place; love and respect for God and others.

Today (well, technically yesterday) my path crossed with someone in the parking lot at the post office. I recognized them from a distance and determined to be friendly. As we acknowledged one another in a brief exchange of eye contact my smile was met with what I interpreted to be a disdainful scowl. Not totally unexpected, we have a stressful history but, I was hopeful we might be able to move past this level more quickly.

The fact that it's bothered me on and off throughout the day reveals to me that I've got more to process on the inside regarding the trouble between us. Some would say to me, "You think too much! Just let it go!" Well, "letting it go" is easier said than done, my friend.

"Letting it go" takes a bit of focused concentration and time. You have to be aware of what it is that you are letting go of before you can actually do it, otherwise all you have done is bury it alive. The next time you are confronted with something related to it, what is still in your heart will rise up and make itself known again!

This is one of the reasons that being too busy is a bad thing. The time needed for personal reflection, meditation and resolution is often squeezed out by the urgent and the necessary things get buried alive.

For me, taking time to "really live" includes making time for this kind of thing. It's the only way I've found to practically apply God's grace and peace and mercy to my own personal daily walk in a way that actually impacts everything I do.

I'm glad I took the time to write this out. Thanks for "listening."