Tricky But Important

​“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Blessed Mother Teresa

Now there is a Lenten challenge!  Some advice needs to be followed and this power-packed tidbit from Mother Theresa begs to be heeded.  I shared this quote during a retreat recently and everyone agreed it would make the world a whole lot better but then one very honest young man said, “But man, that’s just so hard to do.”  I told him I agreed completely!
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This quote has been heavy on my mind for several days and I’ve discovered it’s much easier to live these words when you’re in control of the situation and interactions are pleasant.  When I really thought about it hard, I was pretty good at living this challenge; I would slow down, look people in the eyes when they spoke and be still until they were finished with the conversation.  It seemed a bit awkward at first but after a few days it became more second nature.  I was feeling pretty good about it until that situation I hadn’t planned for; you know the ones that catch you by surprise and tilt you off your balance.  I had one of those situations this weekend and I totally blew it…I was frazzled and almost instantly I reacted, and it wasn’t a reaction that matched the quote!  I wasn’t the Wicked Witch of the West or anything but as I replayed the event, I realized my reaction was based on selfishness and pride.  A few hours later I was still really heavy hearted about the whole thing, so I stopped to pray about it. (I don’t know why I always wait so long to do that!) After just a few seconds of quiet prayer it was very clear that I needed to apologize.  I needed to call myself out on the selfishness and pride.  I needed to admit that I was thinking of myself first and others second and I had to admit that I hadn’t left anyone better or happier with my snappy reaction.  The more I tried to talk myself out of it, the more I realized I needed to do it and do it soon.  After a giant gulp of pride with a huge serving of humble pie on the side, I made the apology and shared the story of my failure to live out this quote.  The apology was graciously accepted and thankfully my reaction was a much bigger deal in my mind than in actuality!

The funny thing about the whole situation…I was the one who left feeling happier and better.  Crazy, I thought that was the gift I was going to give; not the one I was going to get.  God is good and lesson learned…for today anyway!  Thank goodness God expects progress not perfection!

A Seed To Plant: Make it your goal this week to live this verse. Think about the people it will be easiest and hardest to live it with and then ask God to bless your attempts.​

Blessings on your day!