A lot of thought with A bit of confession
This morning I just read through some articles in the Ladies' Home Journal. I'm not real fond of it any more but since it still comes, I still glance through it. I used to like the Can this Marriage be Saved article, but I've lost interest in it. Its got its good points I guess.
It did spur me to think on this morning a topic that has come up more and more lately. It seems we are always looking for ways to make our lives easy. Lately though, I see less of an organized effort and one more like a squeamish effort to escape the discomfort of financial struggles, social expecations or social conflict. Its the same discomfort we get when we are with friends or family and the mood gets all of a sudden uneasy and every ones squirming around the big elephant in the room. Life's obstacles, rather than faced as opportunities are avoided. I talked to someone recently who said they avoid their family get togethers simply because one person is not pleasant enough to be around. I contemplated not doing a Bible Study with my mom here because it was about generational sin. I squirmed under the possibility of conflict. When I hear of a conflict in my family, people not talking or whatever, I sometimes even think I'm glad I'm not there. Being there would be uncomfortable. Dan has made a really good friend with a guy who has very widely different political and world views. They get into it pretty well and while it is fun to listen to and they both enjoy it, its also sometimes makes my conflict avoidance light go off. These things and other events have brought to light for me that all this avoiding what ever could be unpleasant is counterproductive. Dan plays devil's advocate with me a lot and as a result I either realize my view point was wrong or I solidify my ability to explain myself rather than giving a just because I do answer. To be cheesy about it, a rock climber doesn't avoid a mountain because its going to be difficult, they find the right aquipment and climb.
Any how, I didn't have much more than that. This is a thought entry with no conclusion. Another cheesy analogy is just that its like I discovered a cockroach in my kitchen but I don't know how to get rid of it. :) I wish I had a good bit more to say about how things are supposed to be or the like, but I don't. Besides, I think sharing more than this might cause to much conflict. ;)
It did spur me to think on this morning a topic that has come up more and more lately. It seems we are always looking for ways to make our lives easy. Lately though, I see less of an organized effort and one more like a squeamish effort to escape the discomfort of financial struggles, social expecations or social conflict. Its the same discomfort we get when we are with friends or family and the mood gets all of a sudden uneasy and every ones squirming around the big elephant in the room. Life's obstacles, rather than faced as opportunities are avoided. I talked to someone recently who said they avoid their family get togethers simply because one person is not pleasant enough to be around. I contemplated not doing a Bible Study with my mom here because it was about generational sin. I squirmed under the possibility of conflict. When I hear of a conflict in my family, people not talking or whatever, I sometimes even think I'm glad I'm not there. Being there would be uncomfortable. Dan has made a really good friend with a guy who has very widely different political and world views. They get into it pretty well and while it is fun to listen to and they both enjoy it, its also sometimes makes my conflict avoidance light go off. These things and other events have brought to light for me that all this avoiding what ever could be unpleasant is counterproductive. Dan plays devil's advocate with me a lot and as a result I either realize my view point was wrong or I solidify my ability to explain myself rather than giving a just because I do answer. To be cheesy about it, a rock climber doesn't avoid a mountain because its going to be difficult, they find the right aquipment and climb.
Any how, I didn't have much more than that. This is a thought entry with no conclusion. Another cheesy analogy is just that its like I discovered a cockroach in my kitchen but I don't know how to get rid of it. :) I wish I had a good bit more to say about how things are supposed to be or the like, but I don't. Besides, I think sharing more than this might cause to much conflict. ;)
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