Enkindling

Every time I have a conflict with someone I try to take a step back and ask myself what is it about me that is having a problem? Asking myself that question helps me put things into perspective. And as a Christian, whether we like it or not, we are required to do that. It all goes back to the Beatitudes and Fruits of the Spirit. This is one of many words of wisdom a good friend of mine, Rod Smith has bestowed on me. The hardest part for me is to ask myself that question before taking any action. That is a struggle I often encounter. And I have failed that test many times. I’ll call it a growth opportunity for now. If you are reading this and I failed with you I humbly ask for your apology.

Communicating with Rod always challenges me to think. I am ecstatic that he is blogging. If you look on the right hand side of the page you are reading now you will see a heading titled “Blogs you should read”. As you can see, I have linked Rod’s blog, “Difficult Relationships” to mine. I highly recommend you check it out. I cannot predict what you will feel when you read his stuff. I think it is a safe bet to assume you will be provoked to thought. I hope you will do as I have and not use what he writes to blast someone else. Instead, try looking in a mirror as you read each statement. Introspection is always better than persecution.

I am attaching some links to three articles which have always challenged me. I strive to become (as Rod defines it) a Self-Differentiated, Trustworthy, Adult. As always, I trust in God’s grace and mercy to make this complete.

Click on each word below to introspectively read the article:

• Self-Differentiation
• Trustworthy
• Adult