September 10, 2012 #26

NEVER ATTRIBUTE TO MALICE WHAT CAN BE EXPLAINED BY IGNORANCE

A very wise man Iknow, Buzz Brewer, once gave me those words of wosdom. Like most things in life it has taken me a decade to "get it". All to often in life we take it as a personal insult what was no way intended to be one. Sometimes our mind set is just in a different place, we are "not on the same page" with our perceived adversary.

A case in point would be my urrent situation. I livw with a man in a 6" x 10' cell. He has live in this cell for five years of his life. In his ignorance he believes that he should tell me how I should cover the window when rest room is being used, or when I can have my half of the back window covered. My initial reacton was that this guy has got to be kididng, I was toilet trained at age tw0! That I know whwn I can cover the window and when I can't, that he is attempting to inflict his will upon me. Anger is natural in that situation. The problem is: Is that in fct the situation?

Could it be hat he is merely trying to be helpful and friendly? It very well could be tha the does not realise that I find his inout to be offensive, that I prefer to mind my own business and desire others to do the same. So I must not react in anger, but rather act out of love by letting him know how I feel. I must di it in a lovong way, a way that will avoid confrontation. Sounds logical doesn't it?

The problem is at this moment in time I feel offended and confrontational. So I absolutely have to wait until I can be kind and genle, which will not be easy because he will most likely continue behaviour that ticks me off. Sort of a catch 22. That is what is so good about this whole thing. It is a wonderful chance to grow in grace and mercy, to become that man of gentle integrity I so wish to be. So "count it all joy when you fall into various trials."

Be well and treat each other with kindness and love. We reap what we so. Peace.