As the old adage goes, “He who is not my enemy is my friend.” So, why don’t we all just “try to get along” as they say, agree to to disagree on things non-essential, and grant each other mercy and grace for those things we most fervently disagree on?
Seriously, it really isn’t that hard!
You never know what someone else is going through. It took me so, so many years to finally “get” what my wife kept trying to express to me. And it can all be summed up in this one, simple statement…
Through Experience eventually comes Wisdom
We all go through those times in our lives. Not to diminish what you’re going through. Just acknowledging what you’re saying.
- 🎗️ Guys, never forget to at least include that last sentence about “I acknowledge what you’re saying [honey, sweetie, etc].” Trust me on that one!
Seriously! Just take one, simple, step back and allow yourself to consider the fact that you have absolutely zero insight into what someone else might be going through in their lives at any given moment.
So, I would dare say, just “give people a chance.” Don’t judge! Don’t demean! Don’t diminish! Don’t be a jerk!
Don’t discriminate against people based on the color of their skin - one would hope that would go without saying now days, yet sadly, it still exists - the accent in their voice, where they go - or don’t go - to Church, Mosque, Temple, Kingdom Hall, etc. The clothes they wear. The kind of car they drive, and on and on and on.
And probably most importantly, at least as it relates to this website’s focus, please, at least try your best not to look down upon, judge, make fun of - yes, even if it is only in jest, or even ”have pity upon” individuals suffering - or succeeding depending on how you look at it - from mental health issues in their lives [or, depending on the degree of impact, “disabilities”].
Ever look at the economy lately? And the massive amount of layoffs occurring in almost every market sector? And then we question why someone might be asking for something to eat on the side of the road? Ever stopped long enough to put yourself in their shoes?
- 😔 Authors Note - If I’m truly being honest with myself, and others, I know I certainly can find myself at times “looking the other way” when someone approaches my car on a street corner with a sign in their hand asking for a handout. What’s the word for that again? Oh yea, hypocrite! That person deserves the same degree of respect as anyone else on this planet. I promise I’ll try to do better next time.
“Live and Let Live” as they say. Let’s take the 21st century to the next level! Screw Boomer this, Millennial that, Gen-Z that. After all, are we not ALL God’s children?
- 👀 Important exception to the above quote - obviously, “Live and Let Live” can never be acceptable when referring to pedophilia, rape, murder, child abuse, and the like. That’s where we all must draw the line!
Are we not ALL descended from one mutual “pair” of “parents” once you work yourself far enough up the chain?
Let’s not repeat the whole “Cain and Abel” experience!
We live in the greatest period that mankind has ever existed in, yet in so many ways, it seems we’re even more and more “divided” than ever! Why? Seriously, why?
At the end of the day, do you give heartfelt responses to the heartfelt requests that your heartfelt heart urges and begs for?
Technology? Screen time? Social media? Anonymity? Trolling “just because” it happens to make us temporarily feel better?
No! I dare say, “NO!” to any and all of that!
So, what’s the true issue?
Simple!
God’s human creation, by it’s [inherited] sinful nature, well, “sucks” by nature (in general), when it really comes down to the matter of placing others first before “me, myself, and I” … …
Granted, there are a relatively small percentage of people among the human race who are natural protectors, natural providers, naturally more “concerned” with the “concerns” of others before self.
- 🫡 Example 1 - My amazing wife Heather seems to be one of those few gems in the rough…least I think so 🫠
- 🫡 Example 2 - As a result - and in despite of my own self-imposed deficiencies and selfishness in raising my own children at times, my lovely daughter Morgan has also grown up in her mothers footsteps. She is one of the most amazing spouses to her husband, adorable caregiver and protector of her “little ones” and all-around “lovely soul” as anyone I know 🫶
Are you sincere? Are you humble?
First, let me ask, are you one who both gives and receives “heartfelt responses”?
Not with just how you might typically interact with friends and family…
Or with those at work…
But also how you interact with yourself when no one else is around and you’re left to your own struggles and worries from the day…
How often instead do you allow yourself to “take a break” and think about all the good things that might have happened that day?
The victories. The accomplishments. Your drives. Your ambitions. The fact that you’re still breathing air on this planet?
- 🤔 Consider the following question - At the end of the day, do you give heartfelt responses to the heartfelt requests that your heartfelt heart urges and begs for?
Even the most little of things can indeed go a long way if you’ll allow them to. Truly.
Ever heard of the phrase, “Hurting people, hurt others”?
What if we were to rephrase that a bit and instead say, “Helping people, helps us”?
Or even more succinctly, “Helping people, helps me”?!?
Kind of puts things into a different perspective, wouldn’t you agree?
Public Disclaimer - Important! Delusions of Grandeur at The End of The Day are Still Delusions