Perspective

One thing that I am always personally striving to do is to put myself in other people's shoes. I try to see what a person is thinking/feeling and then asses how I should react/act. Typically, the reason for this is that I want to be considerate and ensure that others are comfortable. Many times to people who do not know me, this can come across as distant and/or rude; when in fact it's quite the opposite. I am typically the type of person that will go out of my way to make somebody's life easier, so I observe to see what area I can help with; whatever I can do to help or keep someone else from further stress, anxiety, or worry then I will do my best to do what I can! I genuinely just want to help those in my life, and many times its in the little ways.

There are some people in life who only help when it will benefit them or make them look good in front of people. There are some people who only call or are nice when they want or need something. Some people demand respect, yet never give it in return. Some people require recognition for every little thing that they do to "help". Some even go so far as to pretend that they are another type of person...and then someone requires them to be the person that they portray, and they fold.

It's amazing the walks we choose in life. Sometimes its reactionary; sometimes its "how we were raised"; sometimes its adaptation, sometimes its stubbornness (unwillingness to see the need for a change). Whatever the walk may be...shouldn't it be to praise God and not ourselves?

As much as I try to help others, I am still human...far from being perfect! I seem to have a problem of giving my opinion a little too freely when someone isn't able to see their selfishness. Lately, I have really been having an internal battle with this one. Even the little things are really just aggravating me lately (for instance: how idiotic people can be when they drive - simply because they are being selfish and seem to think that they are the only ones in the world). I find myself snapping and saying things that are pretty rude, to try and get others to see how selfish they are being. I just cannot seem to let go...which means that these selfish people have a hold over me.

I keep praying for God to help me with my anger and annoyance, but I am starting to think that maybe by praying for that, I am actually the one being selfish. Instead, I think I need to just let go and realize that my anger and frustration will not help anyone to see that maybe there is another perspective to consider outside of our own.

Maybe my new aggravation stems from my own selfishness, and instead I need to turn to God and remember that I have no right to judge another persons actions as being selfish. Just because its not something that I would do, or the way I would do it, does not mean that they are selfish. It could very well be because they just do not know otherwise. Does this mean that I have to allow these people in my life though?

Romans 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.