Choose Peace
/Do you ever find yourself in the midst of chaos and you wonder how you got there? I recently heard a quote from Dieter F. Uchtdorf that reads: “Conflict is inevitable, but contention is a choice.” I feel that conflict can be mended as long as both parties are willing to sit down with cool heads and have a reasonable and safe discussion. However, contention takes things to a whole different level. Contention, in my opinion, is where one party is unwilling to listen, bend, or forgive what may or may not have been intentional.
I try so hard to be a “fixer”. I’ve been this way as long as I can remember. If something is broken, I want to do all I can to fix it. When I have the best of intentions, this character trait sometimes gets me in trouble without even realizing what I did wrong. It’s not my intention to cause conflict, and it certainly isn’t my intention to be the center of contention. Can you imagine how much kinder this world would be if we could see into each other’s hearts and speak spirit to spirit? We would know exactly what other’s intentions are, and in my mind, that would make the world a kinder, more peaceful place!
As we Let God Prevail in our lives, and look for LIGHT and Peace, conflicts will still arise, however we will be able to move past the contention with the LIGHT of Christ in our hearts. I’ve learned we can’t change what others think of us. Some misunderstand our intentions thinking we have ulterior motives. I believe most people do not wake up each morning and think to themselves, “Hmmmm…. I wonder whose life I can make miserable today?” We are human, and therefore we make mistakes. Most of us are well aware of our shortcomings, and do a really good job of beating ourselves up for them. The last thing we need is for someone to continually point them out and beat us up with unnecessary verbal assaults and actions. The perfect example of how to treat people is Jesus! He looked for the best in all people, and lifted instead of buried those who made mistakes. He brought LIGHT into every situation He was involved in, and still does today!
May we do our best to overlook other’s shortcomings, give people the benefit of the doubt, and forgive those who have wronged us whether intentional or not. As we choose Peace over Contention, our hearts will be filled with peace, joy, love and LIGHT!!!
Have a great week, and look for the LIGHT!
Love Ya, Les :)