The Absolute Basics

Fairness, Compassion and Commitment.

Imagine……..

our everyday life, experiences and challenges with ingredients like these added in.

How very different outcomes could be!

As I reflect back on a recent hurtful and frustrating situation that occurred in the life of my family over past weeks (and still has some raw emotions attached!)

I begin to consider how different it would have been if one or all of these attributes were present.

In the midst of this, I try to gather the pain and reflect on how I can learn from this behavior, how I felt as a recipient of it and the struggles that come as a result of being treated in this manner.

All this could have so easily been avoided.

And to know and reflect on how simple it is and that such a result would take little effort, just a few extra moments and decent bundle of thoughtful action.

However, in the midst of the recovery from my recent pain, I want to be able to learn in a greater way and a much deeper capacity, how to never treat others.

As I recall the experience, the pain is still very real.  I hope this fades.

Though I do want to be able to remember the way another person has made be feel: belittled, unaccepted and criticized for having an opinion. (Oh and that this opinion was not the same as theirs!)

As I replay the words over in my head, I wonder how I could have done better, but as I am not able to go back, I will do what I can – learn from this, learn to be a better person and not deliver to others what was delivered to me.

To be honest, I have felt like I started to become bitter inside, but it is becoming a better person that I am working towards, so to do this, I have to let go and move on.  Yep, get over it!

I want to be an example to others of how life should really be lived, and that even if another hurts you so deeply, that love is still true. That even when a lack of respect and compassion is evident, they still exist.

I want to display all this and more.

The difference could have been instant by the adding of one of these basic ingredients.

If fairness is shown we consider from another’s perspective and that everyone has a story, opinion and a right to be treated with respect.

Add Compassion and you become more aware of the other’s emotional journey, not necessarily understanding it all, but compassionate all the same – recognizing and treating another with decency.

All brought together by commitment. Commitment to a healthy and productive outcome.

Yes, I do believe these are absolute basics in life.

And I endeavor to bring them to any situation as I display to others that they do still exist.

Your friend

Deb
Xx

Matthew 23: 23

You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God’s Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment – the absolute basics! – you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required.