Taking Offense

"The mental arrow shot from another's bow is practically harmless, unless our own thought barbs it. It is our own pride that makes another's criticism rankle, our self-will that makes another's deed offensive, our egotism that feels hurt by another's self-assertion." Mary Baker Eddy

The above is from an article called Taking Offense from Prose Works. Over the years I have used this article to good advantage. That does not mean that I have to accept the thought of another as being merited. It just means that I can examine it and decide whether or not to be upset by it. It is my choice.

When I was a kid I had a talking to by my grandfather about my temper. He told me that he had lost a job because of his temper and he saw signs of his temper in me. (Something about the Irish as Margaret Smith used to say) I work to control my temper but my voice naturally takes on a "tone" at times. I think it comes from having had to control and get the attention of about 25-28 kids at once. I forget that. My voice carries and it is open to misinterpretation. No matter how others see (or hear) it I don't generally lose my temper. There is just not much to get mad at. I do get disgusted with things at times but seldon get out of control. Others may seem to think I have lost my temper when I have not. No one can tell how I am feeling inside.

I do get hurt easily and need to develop thicker skin but as I said I get over most things. I don't always forget and I still think the Genesis admoniton is worthy and I will always go to the "left" hand pasture.

In the meantime I had a good day. Hope you did also, Stay warm and be happy.