TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

A beloved Amish proverb is my constant call to practice personal responsibility and accountability.  It simply says, “Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.” 

How easy it is to get caught up in the blame game!  Don’t you agree?  But finger-pointing is never a comely, polite or healthy practice.  My Dad often reminded us: ‘Whenever you point your index finger to condemn others, there are three pointing back at you and one pointing up to God.’

Life experiences teach us that other people are certainly capable of causing pain, pressure or problems.  But I have a suggested solution, one that might at first seem cynical, but represents a more practical response to the offenses of others.  When you ‘feel’ a certain way about something someone else has done, silently ask yourself this question: “SO WHAT?”  After all, when we net it all out, there are relatively few things others can do that will have a lifelong impact on us…unless WE allow it to be so.  Therefore, any decision to repeatedly rehearse the offenses of others, i.e. to hold tenaciously to angry unforgiving spirits, is much more detrimental to ourselves than it is to others.

So why not take personal responsibility?  It’s a healthy choice.  Frequently, I pray to our Lord, asking Him to reveal my flaws, errors, inconsistencies or misconceptions.  This enables me to see MYSELF more clearly and to move on with my life – even when I recognize someone has acted in a way that is damaging or deceitful.

This choice informs and instructs me.

This choice motivates and mobilizes me.

This choice favors and blesses me.

This choice frees me to continue the marvelous journey The Creator has designed – with personal purity, with passionate power, with genuine love.

I am responsible for my own attitudes and actions. Admittedly, it can be a challenging moment of decision, but I choose to seek understanding.  I choose to walk a mile in the shoes of others.  I choose to forgive.  I choose to love.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!