This week has been a week that has taught and humbled me. I realized I needed to work on how I presented myself, and how I speak about those I love. The way you speak about others really does indicate the type of person you are and the type of person that you will become. If you spend alot of time talking about the flaws of others, you don't concentrate on the flaws you need to work on, and blame others for your own faults. And most of all. you break down those who you should be relying upon. Just to be fair, I have been on both sides of the gossip, rants, and unkind things spoken. I just realized--with some strong lessons from church and real life, that its not worth it. There are other things to talk about, and other ways to express yourself.
What I learned on Sunday though was this.. Gossip is anything that is said that would make the person being talked about feel bad. I think that its important to remember that "ranting" about someone is a form of gossip, saying anything about someone else you would not feel comfortable saying in front of that person. I also heard this bit of wisdom that I loved "If you aren't part of the problem or the solution then you probably shouldn't be talking about it." and "If you have a problem with someone, go directly to that person." I need to work on implementing these things in my life. I have tried it so far this week, and I have found I feel better about myself, and I feel better about those around me.
I think there is an underlying message here though, Heavenly Father is the only one who knows all things, and all peoples situations. I am not here to judge another, only to be kind, and to show kindness in whatever capacity that is expected. This week I am working on just listening to others... I am not asking for anything this week in my prayers, only being grateful, sharing my feelings, and lessons that I've learned. Its been pretty miraculous actually, I won't get into that on this blog though. I have been blessed in many things, Heavenly Father has truly been at work in my life. Another message is this... We should work to love, if we spend too much time complaining, or finding fault, we have no time to love.
Another thing that I've learned lately is that there truly is a plan for our lives. My cousin cousin committed suicide the Wednesday before Spring Break. Its been hard to deal with, on the one hand, I find myself pondering what I could have done, and then on the other I have this peace in my heart. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for our lives, and because I know that He has a plan, I know that He knows her heart. And that she is in His care now.
