getting to the point

I think I've made such progress in keeping the truly important in mind, in remembering that there are many ways to consider a problem and it takes all perspectives to find a truly viable solution, in staying centered in the face of other people's drama. Then something hits unexpectedly and I am back to speaking sharply, defending turf that has no value and generally missing what is really wrong, what is not being said, what the rant is meant to defend against.

Because that is what I find in my own life. My voice gets strident when I'm frightened. I defend a narrow stance because I want a narrow world where things at least appear to make sense. I know a powerful defense is a good offense.

So yet again I end up sulking or feeling as wounded as those who have been at the point of my angry words or needing to apologize and all that has to be dealt with before we can even get back to the original point of the explosion.

I'm going to keep working to stay grounded, offering mercy and trying to see past another's anger to their pain so we can skip all the drama, the posturing, the protective layering and get down to the business of loving and tending and engendering healing.

After all, that is the point of our lives I think.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1