I started a new job and I forgot how difficult some people can be. In the moment, I could feel myself getting more agitated, annoyed, and short on patience. I had an idea of how the interaction was going to go, I had objectives and I wanted it to go my way. The other person probably had the same thing going on in their head. to make matter worse, I was trying to communicate what I wanted but it was going in one ear and out the other. Many times in our lives, this is the story. Co-workers, relationships, friends, random interactions. Sometimes, we just don’t get what we want.
I reflected later, thinking I wasn’t be empathetic. My ego kicked in and, as usual, it backed me up. I was right and they were wrong. I was trying to help them and they were being stubborn. I could see problems that needed fixing and I was the one to provide solutions. They had other ideas and those opposed my view of the situation. In short, I was being arrogant and stubborn when I was thinking the same of them. I thought they were different than me but really, we were acting the same. I know I am not supposed to think my way is the best but it is difficult for me. It may be one of my greatest struggles.
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16) Paul urges us to work together and be congruent. Harmony means a pleasing arrangement. God wants us to arrange ourselves to please Him. People of low position doesn’t necessarily mean low social status or “poor” but I believe it could mean low in spirit, or humble. Remember than you don’t know everything or that someone else has experience that is valuable. We can be congruent with others by valuing their input or perspective, their needs and wants, or simply putting out own agenda to the side, even if it is “right”.
We are all different. We all have things to contribute. I often forget this simple truth and assume a “my way or the highway mentality”. I get angry and frustrated when things don’t go according to MY plan. Or someone presents a contrary viewpoint and I feel attacked. My ego surpasses my logic and I lose control of my humility, what little I have. I pray that God grants me the grace only He can give. The gift that is the only thing that can save me from myself. I hope he does the same for you when you find a “different one”, accepting them instead of rejecting them.
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