If change is to be let it begin with me. Pointing the finger at others leaves three more pointing at me. I agree we have to be willing to look within ourselves first and foremost. I love many elements of your post today. Thank you.
“When you’re angry with someone, tell them, but hold their hand while you do so.” What a great practice to keep!It would require keeping everyone close enough, despite our anger, to enable it to happen.
Thinking of the people I don’t want to see at a dinner party was very telling. Ouch. I love that you have challenged me with considering the “why” I don’t want to be with these people. It’s hard to admit my own resentments and judging attitude, but I sadly have plenty of them. I’m going to actively pray for these people during Advent. Thank you for the convicting words.
So good and necessary, Jen. Spiritual discrimination came up in my current Sermon on the Mount study. “We are to recognize the error, but we are to do so, not in order to condemn, but in order to help.”
And another plug for Tish Harrison Warren’s, Advent. I just started it. Love considering the three “comings” of Christ in her first chapter on yearning. Thank you for drawing our attention to this season of preparation.
If change is to be let it begin with me. Pointing the finger at others leaves three more pointing at me. I agree we have to be willing to look within ourselves first and foremost. I love many elements of your post today. Thank you.
Grateful it was meaningful!
“When you’re angry with someone, tell them, but hold their hand while you do so.” What a great practice to keep!It would require keeping everyone close enough, despite our anger, to enable it to happen.
Yes I thought that was a wonderful way to imagine the work of reconciliation!
When I read Oldfield’s book, I kept thinking how much you’d like it. I loved it — and keep thinking about so much in it. Thanks for this post!
Not surprised we both love it!
Thinking of the people I don’t want to see at a dinner party was very telling. Ouch. I love that you have challenged me with considering the “why” I don’t want to be with these people. It’s hard to admit my own resentments and judging attitude, but I sadly have plenty of them. I’m going to actively pray for these people during Advent. Thank you for the convicting words.
These really were Oldfield’s challenges, and like you, Mitzi, I was grateful for them!
Oof! This hits home. Thanks for sharing these words.
Thanks for reading!
So good and necessary, Jen. Spiritual discrimination came up in my current Sermon on the Mount study. “We are to recognize the error, but we are to do so, not in order to condemn, but in order to help.”
And another plug for Tish Harrison Warren’s, Advent. I just started it. Love considering the three “comings” of Christ in her first chapter on yearning. Thank you for drawing our attention to this season of preparation.
Thanks for that plug!
Love this. I will be holding someone’s hand next week in a difficult conversation. Someone dear to me. Thank you for these words.
May that moment of proximity bear much grace!
Eager to celebrate Advent!
Me too!
You have suited the medicine to the malady in my heart. Thank you for the words I needed this Advent.
You’re welcome!