Choose Love

Just wanted to share this amazing video that I came across. It is another reminder that regardless of how we are treated by others, no matter how mean or nice, everyone has got their own story to tell, some good and some not so good. It doesn't always make it okay for others to treat one another unfairly, mean, or unkind, but it does help us to see into the heart of others and what might be causing them to act this way.

I recently had to deal with someone who was very rude and the sad part is that this person was suppose to be a professional. The embarrassing part is that this all played out in front of my son and I am ashamed to say that I became angry instead of sympathetic to why this person was treating me unfairly and unkind. Once our appointment was over my son expressed how rude he felt this individual was and of course that set me off. My words of disappointment were then voiced and  were spoken in anger. I had to tell my son later that the attitude and behavior of that person was not acceptable, but that I should not have let it get to me so much either and that I was sorry for my own anger.

Every time these things happen, it is always an opportunity to act the right and proper way even if the other person isn't doing the same. For the biggest part I let these things slide because I think that the other person is just having a bad day and I am their target at that moment. It isn't fair but we all do it right!!! Like my Mom would say when we were growing up " Better to let someone else talk about you or treat you mean, because at least than they are leaving someone else alone." Good advice, but a hard one at times. But when someone is blatantly rude and unprofessional it really can sting. Sometimes it can cause such a disappointing feeling and make you question where did that behavior come from. But most importantly it is a life lesson and one where we can learn more about others and a lot about ourselves. 

Understanding is always a key element in any situation and if that can be given, the outlook can always look so much more positive and encouraging. 

So the next time someone snubs you, acts rudely, treats you with behavior that isn't acceptable, remember that behind those words or actions, may be a person who maybe having a really bad day, month, or even year. I guess the best way to describe this understanding that we should all try to give each other is Grace. This grace being something that you get but don't truly deserve, an unmerited favor. 

I would say that providing understanding to each other really is evidence of grace in the making. The verse Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." always helps me to remember that just like the grace I have been provided, that I need to do the same for others. It is awfully difficult though at times to do this, especially when the unkindness of others makes you feel so utterly humiliated and upset.

This way of understanding or providing grace doesn't condone the person but just provides love and understanding. Hopefully I will remember this better the next time it happens. Lol. Praying that all is well in your little corner of the world and that you are living in the grace-filled moments. 

Love & Blessings
Dana