Approach

We all go about tackling daily chores, relationships and life events differently. Some approach things face on...some with great anxiety and timidity while still others are laid back and seem to be barely effected by by the winds of
adjustments. But each of our own personal approaches... is a normal way of looking at things and a normal way of doing things...but to others...our approach may make someone else just crazy. Some might interpret how people do things as disorganized and sloppy while others might see their ways as just the opposite..too calculated....and purposed.

We see this everyday...with approaches in strangers, friends and family. But how do we handle them. I will speak from a personal viewpoint...I try to change them...because of course my way is the one that would work the best....when in fact it so often is not. And then when my way is not readily accepted...either my feelings get hurt or or my nose gets out of sorts...

But I figure you can't always understand how someone is thinking...and how they are wired...and the reasons they do things the way that they do...maybe it is a coping mechanism, maybe that is how they were taught as a child and they have never wavered, maybe they are working off of a low self esteem....maybe they are perfectionists by nature, maybe they are laid back in nature..maybe laziness plays a factor, maybe control plays a factor..maybe possessiveness plays a part...maybe something that has happened in their life has brought on a different approach .there are so many variables that are possible.

But the bottom line is not so much our approach that matters...but...the main matter is: are we are allowing God's approach to play into ours. His approach in what we do, how we act, what we say...etc. For variety and different views and different approaches will always be activated in our society. And we have to somehow find harmony and balance in blending them together.

So what is God's approach...first of all, he is a listener. He takes time to hear us out..whether he agrees or not...and because he is God he can always understand where we are coming from...and knows from whence (I love that word) our thoughts originated. He knows how to guide us and direct us because he knows us... he knows the way we think, he knows the experiences we have journeyed through..and he knows all about timing...When to be quiet and when it is time to act..and when the time to act comes...he acts in compassion and mercy...not some strong armed commander with little or no respect for the fellow man. And his approach is ALWAYS centered and grounded in Love.

Well there I have it...my problem is that my approach is not always centered and grounded in love...it is grounded so many times in pride...in judgement, and in impatience, and most especially in self motivated behavior rather than Godly motivated behavior. So I have to learn to be a better listener, a better watcher instead of always needing to be the doer...and I need to ask God to help me look at people and situations through his eyes and not be blindsided by my own. For I don't know where the motivations for behavior originate...and I need God to give me an understanding heart... I have be willing to accept approaches that do not always line up with mine...and realize I am not the manager of everybody here on Earth...God is. Sure my opinion has merit...but so do the opinions of others. And the only way to achieve harmony is to be mindful and respectful of the ways others approach their lives as well and try to be understanding...and appreciate their diversity....even though is in direct contrast to ways that I am familiar with.

I suspect we all have a somebody who we have a tough time with.....we may not always be able to see their point of view or understand their approach to life...but we are able at all times to solicit God's direction and His approach when dealing with them.

1) Take time to listen
2) Be Respectful
3) Try to understand
4) Be patient
5) Approach with a loving attitude

1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Dear Lord, I am so grateful that you have given me the opportunity to learn from your approach. Help me to incorporate it into my daily life ...and into the relationships that you have allowed me to have. Amen

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for His glory will shine through.

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