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IRRITANT It itches! It stings! It's in my eye! It cramps! The simple irritants of life? Or are these the real irritants of life? Spiritual people who "walk their talk" find it difficult at times to cope with the irritants of life - people. People who are disrespectful, angry, abusive, unkind, aggressive, insulting, demeaning comments and so forth. What do I do with this constant unprovoked bombardment is their proclamation? We have experienced these assaults, verbal, non-verbal or physical. We walk away with perplextion of confusion. How am I to respond to this? It is easy to say with "love" for these people are me, they are God's children. Yet the immediate response is feeling dumbfounded. Take a breath, step on your foot, check your feelings, delay response, and remain silent. Now, only now is the moment to seek the choice of the kindess, compassion, and for giving outreach. May it be only a smile or a nod of the head of recognition, or a decisive moment to know the only response is to walk away. Isn't it rude to walk away? No, do not provide the opportunity to continue to give this negative behavior an audience. You are demanding respect. Silently bless them and continue on with your journey in life. Where does the untoward behavior come from? Insecurity, making oneself feel more important than another, anger, lack of self-worth, lack of self-respect, lack of self-esteem. What ever the cause is a cry for love. To be recognized. To feel better with oneself and their environment. The behavior is inappropriate no matter if what they feel their action is ok...it is called ignorance. It is the ignorance we sense and respond to. Our delay is to make the choice to respond with love and understanding. These irritants come from all walks of life; family, friends, and complete strangers. What is the provocation? It is an opportunity to "walk the talk" of a spiritual life. The action of choice is always present and constant in opportunities. Does it create change from the irritant? At times, yet not always. Everyone is doing the best they can in life. All behavior has a point of origin. Can I create change? Love yourself first and loving others is easier. Since childhood I have lived by the ancient timeless philosophy of the Bible..."Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Yes there have been times that I have experienced the "irritant". My peace comes from within knowing these people are trying to find their way home to God as am I. This life on earth impacts us with learning patience. My hope is that in their next life on earth is to move forward with what they have learned from their life review. Wish them well and continue to inspire others through your kindness and compassion. Lead by example. Allow no one around you to show disrespect in your presence of the the abuse of another of God's child, animal, or His creation. Rev. Karen back |
| www.divineheart.org REV. KAREN KOBER Sister of Peace December 1, 2010 |