Acceptance
Reading for Sunday, March 14
Mark 8:11-21
“I’m OK, you’re OK, it’s OK is a formula for inner peace.”
Even if we don’t understand them, we can choose to accept others as they are. We talked earlier about self-acceptance. What gets in the way of extending this to others is our own need for everything to be perfect, or at least to conform to our way of thinking.
“Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what’s wrong and our need to fix it. We are dissatisfied, discontent, and pulled away from our goal of being kind and gentle.” Carlson
We can choose being kind and appreciative rather than being “right”. The way to positive feelings is to focus on a peaceful interaction that leaves everybody feeling good.
This does not mean we have to compromise with our best. It is just that we are overly attached to our way and focused on what’s wrong. While there may be a better way to do something, this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy and appreciate the way things are. We can still believe what we believe and stand up for it. It’s only when we insist that others agree with us that we pay a price in inner tranquility.
Today, I will look for one opportunity to accept something I don’t like.
“Journey to Jerusalem” written by Martha Wiglesworth
Reading for Sunday, March 14
Mark 8:11-21
“I’m OK, you’re OK, it’s OK is a formula for inner peace.”
Even if we don’t understand them, we can choose to accept others as they are. We talked earlier about self-acceptance. What gets in the way of extending this to others is our own need for everything to be perfect, or at least to conform to our way of thinking.
“Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what’s wrong and our need to fix it. We are dissatisfied, discontent, and pulled away from our goal of being kind and gentle.” Carlson
We can choose being kind and appreciative rather than being “right”. The way to positive feelings is to focus on a peaceful interaction that leaves everybody feeling good.
This does not mean we have to compromise with our best. It is just that we are overly attached to our way and focused on what’s wrong. While there may be a better way to do something, this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy and appreciate the way things are. We can still believe what we believe and stand up for it. It’s only when we insist that others agree with us that we pay a price in inner tranquility.
Today, I will look for one opportunity to accept something I don’t like.
“Journey to Jerusalem” written by Martha Wiglesworth