Ever feel backed into a corner?

Kinda like a trapped animal?

How would you react?

Defensively?

I would.

The flesh wants to be protected.

While maturity is always the goal, sometimes the flesh wins.

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Differing points of view can complicate matters.

But in the end, what really matters?

Your response.

Your continued response.

When you feel misunderstood, what should you do?

Own your own actions.

Apologize when you give into your flesh.

But then you have a choice.

Especially if you’re alone in the conversation.

Still not feeling heard.

Do you hold on, digging your heals into the ground?

Or do you move on, beginning anew?

I choose life.

I choose beginning anew.

Even if my active mind can justify feelings, connecting the dots.

I choose to move on.

While that might sound like an odd choice, I ask myself this question:

What would God want me to do?

What does God want me to do?

Would He want me to keep carrying burdens alone?

Nope.

He wants it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Picture that other person as Jesus.

Treat them as you would Him.

Because all humans deserve nothing less.

We don’t know what goes on in everyone’s minds.

As my students read To Kill a Mockingbird, I’m reminded to “walk around in other people’s shoes.”

We must look at things from their view.

Especially important when one doesn’t see eye to eye, or doesn’t feel heard.

Talk to God, asking Him to fill you with His compassion.

His love.

His understanding.

And move on.

Paste that smile on your face and stand tall.

Once your heart is clean, there’s nothing to worry about.

Because Jesus is all that matters.

Photos by Holger Link, Richard Brutyo, Ben Hershey, sydney Rae, & Jonathan Fink on Unsplash