Relationship Advice from the Expert

First…The winner of last week’s drawing for a $25 Gift Card is…..drum roll, please:  Jennifer.  Jennifer, if you will email your address to [email protected] I’ll send your gift card asap.

OK gals…it could have been you.  Starting this week I’m giving away a free copy of SEEK each week to celebrate the books release on July 15th.  If you’ve never left a comment before, all you have to do is tell a friend about the book and let me know. I would count it an honor if you would do so. Better yet, buy a copy of SEEK from my website right now before the price goes up on the release date—July 15^th.

So…onto other things…

Last week I mentioned that I learned two lessons from the man on the street. The first I discussed in my last post and the second I’ll discuss today. Here it is, clean and simple:

When we see ourselves in others, it’s easier to follow Jesus’ instruction to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” otherwise known as “The Golden Rule”.

So when I see:

• The woman with the out-of-control toddler I can judge her parenting OR I can remember that I’ve been her.
• The painfully slow clerk who’s just learning how to operate the register I can become impatient OR I can remember that I’ve been her.
• The teenager who has emotional PMS inspired mood swings I can become annoyed OR I can remember that I’ve been her.
• The loved one whose temper flairs because they’re under intense stress I can become self-righteous OR I can remember that I’ve been there a time or two myself.

Despite our current season of life, or circumstances, or outward appearance, deep down, we are all pretty much the same. When I pause to see myself in other people, my defenses drop, my frustration lessons, my perspective changes. I’m better able to treat others like I would want to be treated.

In fact, I had the “opportunity” to put this into practice this week.  The painfully slow sales clerk I mentioned above works at HomeGoods.  I know because I waited 15 minutes (yes, 15 minutes) for her to return an item for me two days ago. I started to get frustrated.  It’s not that I wanted to be impatient, but my mind starting to go to places like “what on earth is taking her so cotton pickin’ long?” and “why have they allowed her to work the register alone when she’s clearly not ready?” and “oh my gosh…would you PLEASE just HURRY!” 

Yes, these thoughts and more crossed my mind (Just keeping it real, gals). Although I said nothing, I’m sure my facial expression spoke loud and clear. Until…

I paused and remembered.

I’ve

Been

Her.

And how did I want people to treat me?  Certainly not with eye rolls, loud sighs and signs of frustration.  I wanted grace and kindness and patience.  Maybe even a warm smile.

Do unto others….

Treat other people the way you want to be treated….

These words flooded my mind. Honestly, they need to fill my mind more.

Can you relate?

Do you have a person who’s driving you nuts right now? Perhaps you should cut her/him some slack.  You’ve been them.

And so have I.

Leave it to Jesus to give us the best relationship advice around.