There is so much going around about politics and immigration and this and that where people are irritated at others and want changes and want this and want that. These issues keep coming up in conversations and people start talking about them and putting their hands on their hips or pointing a finger while they’re talking.
A recent article in the Living Lutheran magazine says that the best way to address these topics is through love. And the writer gave some really good tips to follow. Words can give life, and words can kill. Words chosen carefully will draw out more intelligent conversation.
- Remember, you and I don’t know everything.
- Be curious, not furious. Curiosity seeks to learn, not to remain ignorant.
- The people with whom you argue are made in the image of God – just as you are.
- Hurt and anger are twins. When someone lashes out in anger, beneath that is probably hurt. Don’t let your anger jag keep you guilty forever or empower you to get louder and more self – satisfied. Take your own inventory (flaws and gifts) often, so you can get to know yourself better – you will be a better communicator in the end.
- Be patient.
- Truth is many faceted. Recognize that when another person has a different viewpoint, there may well be an element of truth in it. Find it. State it. See how the anxiety goes down and the thinking goes up. And when you are convinced of your truth, say it in love, not in anger or one – upmanship.
- Love trumps everything else. A huge part of the strength of real love is the ability to also say, “I’m sorry, I made a mistake. I ask your forgiveness. Can we continue to talk and learn together?”
Famous Okie information: The first Girl Scout Cookie was sold in Muskogee, Okla., in 1917.
Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: In this new year, I hope you live louder. I hope you laugh more. I hope you sing at the top of your lungs. I hope you drive with the windows down and let the wind rustle through your hair. I hope you hug. I hope you kiss. I hope you surround yourself with people who make you feel alive. I hope you become the type of person that brings good energy wherever you go, and the type of person people want to be around. I hope you speak what’s on your mind, that you raise your voice for injustice, that you tell others you love them, instead of waiting until it’s too late. I hope you live louder, shine brighter. This is your year.
Restaurant Team notes: The Main Street Guymon Restaurant Team has a goal to eat at every restaurant in Guymon and invite them to be a Main Street Guymon member. Our second restaurant stop was at Caktus Jacks. The best surprise was the huge salad, which was very good, was half price on Tuesdays. How about losing weight and gaining dimes in the pocketbook? Sounds good to me.
Sage advice: “Ancora imparo (I am still learning).” ~Michelangelo, at age 87.
Things you might want to see in town:
The Main Street Guymon Awards Evening is on Feb. 18 with a dinner and a chance to honor some of our many community volunteers and businesses. Tickets are $25 per person and the theme is Roaring 20s. You should go! Especially if you have considered getting more involved in the community. Or if you just want to watch!
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and that you made the day special for someone.
See you on the bricks.