How You Respond Matters

How You Respond Matters

Have you ever been caught off guard by someone's smart remark, attitude, energy, or actions and had to catch yourself? Or, maybe you didn't catch yourself quick enough.  I remember hearing my grandmother retell stories and say, "And, before I knew it, I...".    That's her story.  Fill in your blanks.  How does your story end? 

It can happen to anyone, anywhere.  The question is: When did you put away those childish things? (I Corin 13:11).  Are you still in a headspace where anyone can rattle you with words or their works?

I, myself, have gotten much better, but so often I have found 'a little goes a long way'.  The simplist thing can send someone to react drasticly.  Think back to the last time this happened to you...on either end.

It happened to me today.  I made a light comment about the tv being on the news all day long. "You don't feel good, maybe if you turn the channel or listen to some music, you may feel better.  It may lift your spirits."  Why did I say that?!

I said it because I love them.  I said it with love. I said it because I care.  

Despite my intentions, I was met with anger, profanity, and frustration.  I could have matched that energy back, but what for?  What would that solve?

I already knew he wasn't feeling good, I knew I had the best of intentions, and delivered it with care.  Responding any other way would be pointless and unproductive.  I just walked away to continue what I was doing prior.  

That's what love is.  Being able to love close and afar..being close and making room.  Understanding and accepting who they are and giving grace for where they fall short.

When was the last time you extended grace?  When was the last time you wish someone extended grace to you?

This can transpire just the same in the workplace.  Depending on where someone is where you meet them, emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc., they may react accordingly, yet inappropriately.

Share your story.  

Tune in to the KimUnity Soulutions podcast as we take a deeper dive.

How You Respond Matters.