Jan. 19th 2014

Jan. 19th 2014

Each person has a right to their own opinion yet what happens when someone is obviously not really interested in understanding yours and just wants to be superior or right? I get impatient and angry trying to impose my right view on their right view. OUCH!!! I usually end up in a mild disagreement or worse a shouting match and then walk away angry or hurt when both sides possibly start slinging mud (hurtful comments) at each other all over wanting to be right. But what is really happening? We all want to be heard, loved and accepted. So is there a way?

Aha!!! Situation: A families 7 year old child has been in the hospital for a month and they are picking him up at 9pm at night a 45 minute drive away. They wake up the 6 year old to go with them. Tom was of the opinion; I would never wake up my 6 year old and take them that late.

So how to deal with this? For me, instead of imposing my opinion I need to ask questions so that the other person doesn't feel like I am imposing my opinion on them or making them feel wrong or that their comment is insignificant.

For example I could ask Tom: You wouldn't take the 6 year old because you think it's too late and you are concerned about his welfare?

What if he wanted to see his brother and that he really wanted to go? What would you do then?

Maybe this is not the most perfect approach but it's something I need to work on.

Dear God,

Help me listen to what other people have to say  without judging, criticizing or condemning. Help me to understand their point of view and by doing so it allows for a new possibility of awareness to happen or come forth.

Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity today to see what I need to work on.

I ask this for myself, my sweetheart, my family, my friends all whom I come in contact with today and the whole world. Not my will but thine be done. Amen.