"The labor of self-love is a heavy one indeed. Think for yourself whether much of your sorrow has not arisen from someone speaking slightingly of you. As long as you set yourself up as a little god to which you must be loyal there will be those who will delight to offer affront to your idol." A. W. Tozer
I found this little gem in this week's e-news of Orlando Grace Church, a congregation we attended for many years. This quote of Tozer's is worth thinking about more than once. Part of the reason we get so irritated with other people is that we don't like to admit that we might be wrong in our own attitudes or actions or that we value our own perspective too much. Even if the other person is not being very gracious in their comments or body language, we should LISTEN (with our hearts and not just our ears) and think about what they are trying to say and what positive thing we can do to improve the situation. Sure it's a blessing when someone agrees with our opinions and appreciates or affirms us. But it is even more of a blessing, to ourselves and everyone around us, when we can be humble enough to listen and learn even from those who aren't perfect, even in the midst of conflict.
May God bless you with abundant, authentic peace in your every day life!
Just stopping by to say Happy New Year! Have a blessed 2009! from Violin Mom in FLA.
ReplyDeleteVirginia:
ReplyDeleteOur mutual friend, Tonya, introduced me to your inspirationional life. Skimming over the top, I am impressed deeply by three things: you are prolific. There seems to be little downside to your "weaknesses" as you describe them. You add value to many people. And third, you care about priorities and obviously work hard at them.
You inspire me.
Lizzie