February 2, 2017
“It is not what they say, but the reaction that tells you everything you need to know.” ― Shannon L. Alder
Meditation: People say a lot. People promise things. But who they are, you can find out when they react. The true values and nature of a person reveals when the heat is on and when the person reacts. That is when violence often erupts. That is when people’s egos are taking over. That is when disrespect and violations happen. And then you know everything you need to know. When I see people who are destructive in their reactions, even though their words promise all kinds of things, I need to decide where I am and what I want to do. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. (Charles R. Swindoll)
I can take in the toxins of the other person. I can allow to get abused. I can react back and become just as destructive as the other person. Or I can find ways to respond. I can turn and reach deeper. I can change direction and find the ground that holds me. Taking time out helps me to not react in the same way I am reacted to. When I take time to return to “the ground of being”, when I return to the One who created me, I will find rest and I will be protected from those reacting and trying to overpower me. As I keep myself from reacting and find stillness within, I will develop confidence that I do not have to react or retaliate. I will find strength to resist.
Prayer: God in times of reactivity, be our refuge and strength. Let us turn away from the toxins of reactivity and ground ourselves in You. And then help us choose how we want to respond. Amen
Isaiah 30:15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Yet you were not willing.
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