PEACE. LET IT BEGIN WITH ME.

PEACE. LET IT BEGIN WITH ME.


To be an instrument of peace seems to be quite the opposite in task. It can be challenging to work with and help others. To live with another in harmony is a w-h-o-l-e other story. It’s great if we are on the same page to reach just, moral and honest resolutions. But, how real is that? The reality is many of us are inherently programmed and would feel completely satisfied to “get even!” Oh, how it goes against our nature to do the right thing!

NAGGY WOMEN AND DIRTY SOCKS!

Come on now ladies, instead of picking up your husband’s dirty socks and putting them in his pillow case to teach him a lesson, simply take a few extra steps and with love place them in the laundry basket. And say to him, “Honey, I saw that your poor little socks didn’t have legs of their own, so I helped them to the laundry basket. Snoopy and his friends were very happy for the help.” Tell me that wouldn’t bring a smile to both your faces. Okay, it might cause him to say you’ve gone wacko! But . . . Maybe next time he would take care of the little task himself. Okay, maybe not. But you would stop being a nag and your inevitable “chore” – oh I mean – “cool walk with the socks,” would take you off the nag list and keep peace in the home!

“What did you do today,” hubby innocently asked.  You can breath in and out forcefully through your nostrils and retort angrily at him, “Pick up after you."  Or . . . you can say playfully, “I took Snoopy and friends for a walk. Do you think you could take them tomorrow?” Can’t blame a girl for trying.

BULLIES ON THE PLAYGROUND

Instead of avoiding that kid that you feel intimades you, walk up to him and ask him to help you with something he's good at.  Yes, even bullies have some good attributes.  You may be more comfortable taking a friend with you for support (you might choose a friend who is a bit nerdy rather than a toughy first time out - or not) . Nonetheless say, “Hey Jack, I see that you are pretty good at basketball (math, woodshop, whatever). I don’t know much about the sport. Do you think you could give me a few pointers?” Without waiting for an answer, continue, “ I’m ready pretty much anytime. Let me know when you’re free. Look to the others in the group and say, “Hey guys. Catch you later (or “see you around” - or whatever the lingo young people use today). Smile and walk away.

In conflict breaking the ice is an important first step. Asking someone for help gives the thick skinned guy a chance to gloat a bit and it will make him less likely to retaliate. You may have to try more than once to see him lighten up a bit. It’s very hard to frown when a smile is kindly looking your way. It will also be hard for him to treat you like dirt in front of his friends. Of course you can always pray that they are all not total punks.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained!  Have some faith. David stood up to Goliath! No need for a slingshot, just be yourself. With the right attitude, God will work miracles through you. 


WOMEN. I JUST DON’T GET THEM! WHAT DOES SHE WANT FROM ME!

Agggh, men, you work too hard. When women tell a story, share a problem or give a boring blow by blow encounter they are not usually doing it to “get a fix” from you. Sometimes they solve their problem as they are speaking (go figure). But chances are they’ve got the problem solved already. They’re not complaining, just explaining. If you want to satisfy the gal in your life, “just listen.” Women enjoy a good silent ear!
Don’t get bugged if her solution is different from yours or right out crazy. Who cares! She’s got to deal with what follows. You can never go wrong with saying something simple like, “Honey, I have confidence and I know you will figure it out. You always do.” Give her a big smooch and a hug (and mean it!)! She’ll look at you like your on drugs. But at the end of day when she reflects on the ups and downs, she’ll smile when she remembers your kind words that didn’t judge, but rather loved. Who knows, you might get a home cooked meal instead of take out!