I wasn't going to blog tonight about this. After all, I'm sure you have better things to do than slog through each day of how I'm doing on this challenge. Yet, here I am.
Today was harder than yesterday. Part of lifting others up with your speech is not nagging. My husband didn't come right out and say "You're nagging." He just pointed out, with a smile, that I'd made the same request three times in two minutes. Oops. The sad part is, I don't even realize when I do it sometimes. This challenge is going to take some work! I can use the fact that this trait has been handed down to me by a parent as an excuse, or I can use it as a learning tool. I don't want to saw at my husband's (or anyone else for that matter) nerves and make him think it's better to live on the rooftop than with me (Proverbs 25:4).
From there I go to a friend who mentioned something that automatically puts me in full Mama mode. The "I know better than you and I'm a tad concerned(ahem)" mode. You know the one. The one that makes you want to bang your head against a brick wall because that would be about as effective as voicing your concerns. My dilemma: How do I let her know I am worried without being a nag or a know it all or both? For the record, my friend isn't doing anything illegal or immoral. It's just flat out dangerous.
I can't live her life. I can't tell her what to do. In short, I can't be in control of what another person says or does. Lesson number two of the day. Both lessons that are tough and needed. The hard part is learning to zip my lips and keep praying.
How are you doing, two days into this journey? Are you finding it difficult like me? Or are you having an easier time of it?
I love the verse. But, I think you meant a different one. "Take away the dross from the silver and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer". I know the "housetop dwelling" one you mean, though.
ReplyDeleteDottie, I love to slog through your blogs of how you're doing. My DH is not home, so it's easier fo me. I have "answer back" issues when it comes to our "discussions". In fact, "Don't answer back" is often one of my new year's resolutions. :-)
How to help? That's a tough one. First of all, is it really dangeous? Is she refusing vaccinations? fasting? flirting at work? The last one is the dangerous one. But, a lot of people consider the first two very dangerous.
Otherwise, how about giving her other interests? Take up her time with helping with J. ? You can think of something. Pray. In time, she'll be open to your help. For now just let her know, if you can, that if she ever needs advice on that, you have an opinion. ?