Think About It

One of the best ways to get along with others is to be able to see things through their perspective.  This sounds good, but how do we go about doing that?  No two people think the same way, nor do we really have the ability to “walk a mile in their shoes”.  So, how can we come to appreciate their point of view – here are a few thoughts: 1)  Watch for the priorities in their life .  Do they take a “legalistic” stance on issues or are they more apt to see issues through the lenses of mercy?  We don’t have to agree with their perspective, but understanding what makes them tick can help us find common grounds. 2)  Ask them about their lives .  We are fashioned by nature and nurture.  While people are shaped by their emotional and educational growth, our environment has a lot to do with our preferences and perspectives.  The more we learn about someone’s past influences, the better we will be able to understand how they got to where they...

For those of us who were alive during the 1970s there may have been no more compelling television than the hearings of “The Senate Select Committee On Presidential Campaign Activities” or better known as the Watergate Hearings.   Even though this show was live, it had more twists and turns than the best of the Daytime Dramas.   For weeks, the Senate Committee investigated the activities of the Nixon Administration and the Committee to Re-elect the President.   Most people are familiar with the outcome of the hearings, but the other day I came across an interesting quote by Senator Sam Ervin from the Final Report that condemned the activity by noting, “ Their lust for political power blinded them to ethical considerations and legal requirements; to Aristotle's aphorism that the good of man must be the end of politics; and to Grover Cleveland's conviction that a public office is a public trust.”.   As I read this observation I was struck by Senator Ervin’s assessment ...

          The other morning I happened to look up during one of the national television morning “news” shows and saw the title of the upcoming segment, “The Torture Of Dressing For Your Holiday Party”.  That title just floored me ... the “torture” of preparing a party?  Needless to say I didn’t watch the segment, but I did do a little more investigating and it seems this title appears to have come from an article from the New York Times.  I skimmed the article and I get the gist of what the columnist was trying to convey – but, I keep coming back to the title ... the “torture” of preparing for a party.  I realize that it may have been either tongue-in-cheek or a hyperbole; but, unfortunately, this mindset has crept into our society.  How many people feel “stressed” this time of year?  Why?  We are stressed because we are so well liked that we have to attend several holiday parties ... we are stressed because we have to decide ...

          Through the years I have lived in a few places that had snowfall.   During most of the years in those places I have not had access to a snowblower, so I have had a lot of time to contemplate snow removal.   The way I see it, there are three ways to deal with measurable snowfall:   1)   Going outside periodically during the snow storm and cleaning the walks and driveway.   This maintenance process may take more total effort, but the chore doesn’t feel as overwhelming.   2)   Waiting until the snow has finished falling and clearing it all at one time.   While this is the preferred way for those with mechanical devices, this can be a big chore for hands-on people.   3)   Waiting for Mother Nature to rectify the situation on her own.   If nature put the snow on my walks and driveway, it should be responsible for removing it.   This may be our preferred approach, but it will n...

          Have you ever wanted to say, “Just tell me the truth.”?  It is amazing how the truth is taking a beating these days.  Whether it is in the political arena, the court system, advertising or in our personal relationships it is often difficult to get to the truth of the matter.  For whatever reason, it seems that the truth is hard to find.  I think I am to the point where I just wish people would tell the truth.  It’s almost that I don’t care whether I would like the information or not, just be honest with me.           Now having said that, let’s consider what people think about us.  Are they asking the same thing of us?  Whether it is in our business, personal relationships or on official documents the people around us deserve to hear the truth from us.  Sure, we can excuse our “misinformation” by advocating that we are trying to position ourselves in the best light ...

Have you noticed how easy it is to communicate with people these days?  With cellphones, email, texting, Facebook, Instagram and all the other outlets it is pretty easy to reach out to people.  While there are advantages to this, it does have a couple of downsides to it. First, it is hard to get away from people – it seems like they can always find us and our downtime seems to be significantly reduced.  Second, when we can’t immediately reach someone, it can be frustrating.  Why aren’t they answering their phone?  Why didn’t they return my text?  Are they ever going to respond to my email – I sent it over an hour ago!  Increased communication potential has translated into instant communication possibilities, so it gets frustrating when it doesn’t happen in MY timeframe. As I thought about the possibility of instant communication, I got to thinking about God.  While 24/7/365 communication might be unique to mankind in this generation, it has bee...

How will people know that we are Christians?   Well, according to a song (and a scripture) they will know us by our love, but there is something else that can help people recognize us as disciples of Christ – compassion.   While we are quick to talk about the power and teaching of Jesus, a trip through the New Testament would not be complete without a look at compassion.   Jesus demonstrated His compassion when He cried with His friends, Mary and Martha, at the loss of their brother Lazarus.   Jesus was known for His ability to heal people’s ailments, but it was His heart that lead Him to them.   So, if Jesus was compassionate, what does it say about those called to be His disciples? The New Testament discusses a lot of things Christians are required to do, but one that cannot be overlooked is compassion.   We must be willing to notice people who are in need and be moved by their condition.   Whether the person’s need is fiscal, physical or emotiona...