Be Present

We are told that the best defence is a good offense yet the great peacemakers of human history offer us a different example they were present with their persecutors.

They listened to understand the grievances being brought to them, they did not attack and mount an offense.  They entered into a dialogue with the hope that through the exchange thoughts, words, and ideas mutual understanding would result.

Did they win?  No, because winning was never the goal, the goal was to be entirely present with their accuser, with the other person and to understand.

How often have we ended up in a nasty argument with our, children, partners, siblings, parents, friends because instead of listening to understand we have immediately started building our offense, stopped listening and gone on the attack.

What is being described is hard to do and impossible if you have never been present with yourself.

Haggai 1:5-7

Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways!”

How do you consider your ways?

Where can you be present with yourself?

For me that path started with a Christmas present, a pencil, a journal to which I added my thoughts and a willingness to learn about myself.

How do you consider your ways?

Do you spend time being present with yourself?

Grandma Snyder

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