R is for Rewind

Have you ever had one of those moments where you had to stop and say....

• What did that person just say to me?
• Did I just think that about that person?
• Did I just say that about that person?
• What did I just say to them? (This thought the one you think after someone looks at you with a shocked look on their face)

or better yet....

• Did my kid just say that?

We live in a time of judging.  Most people do it without realizing it.

• Do you eye the stack of library books a person is checking out, and think why do they need all those books?  They are really holding up the line!
• See someone in an outfit and say to yourself, "Wow that is not flattering! I would never appear in public wearing those colors!"
• Or see someone struggling with a mouthy, misbehaving child and say to yourself, "They should really control their child better.  I would never let my child do that."
• Or mentally think about how slow the bagger is at the grocery store?

These are all examples of judging.  No it doesn't seem major, but can you imagine the feelings that could be hurt if one of these above mentioned persons were to hear your thoughts?

The trouble is that we are not perfect, we all make mistakes.  It's our sinful nature.  We feel jealousy.  Maybe someone was mean to us.  Maybe we are just having a really stressful day.  This brief feeling of superiority after these thoughts might make us feel better for a few moments, but in the end they do not make us feel any better.  In most cases, they cause more guilt.

So we need to stop and rewind.  Really think about those brief thoughts that might occur.  You never know what is happening in another person's life.  What stresses they are under.  They could be the nicest person in the world and would be the first in line to help you during a major disaster.  How would you feel if you were to see that person again....and they were there to help you?

This is a great reason to stop....rewind.....and think positive thoughts about everyone around you.  I know this is hard in stressful times.  Instead of looking at the person who is taking a bit longer at the library to check out as a nuisance, maybe wonder about what cool project they might be planning to use all those books on.  Maybe they are working on planning a fundraiser for the homeless or a food shelter.  Or maybe they are checking out books to help an elderly shut-in neighbor.

I try to remember, and it's hard when I get really frustrated, to keep only positive thoughts.  I might be feeling frustrated, but I don't know how frustrated the other person is or how uncomfortable they may be.  I have been trying to kick in the mindset, would the person have hurt feelings if they could read my thoughts right now.

So the next time you are having a bad day, or you are experiencing trouble with an employee where you are doing business, please remember......You don't know their story.  Rewind.....and smile.  Keep positive thoughts, just in case someone can read your mind :).

Linking up with other families who are Blogging through the alphabet.