Assuming positive intent

I've always heard that you should "never assume, because it makes an (ya know) of 'u' and 'me'." I've never thought too long or hard about this, but always kind of laughed off that silly little quip about the word.  However, lately I've been starting to think more about assumptions and how they affect me and others. 

I heard some great advice from a dear friend of mine that I met when I moved to Gravelbourg.  The advice wasn't actually directed at me, I think I have heard her say these words in different settings like Bible study or book club, but they stuck with me. These wise, simple words are: "Always assume positive intent".  I've been really pondering this today and it came to me that she is so right. When I assume the worst of a person's intentions, I truly do make a fool of myself, and it's unkind to the other person. I could easily get my feelings hurt and assume that person intended only to hurt, frustrate or anger me; but the truth is, most people don't have the time or energy to live their lives to irritate or hurt me, and assuming they do is pretty self involved of me.

My dear, patient husband has taught me a lot of things in our 4 and a half years of marriage; but one influence he's had on me that I appreciate the most is how he's helped me to "just relax". Not just in the way he helps me sit down and watch an entire movie without getting up and running around the house just for the sake of being busy, but more importantly, he's shown me how to just let things roll off my back. He's shown me that some things just don't need to take our time or energy worrying. Yes, there are circumstances that warrant our time and attention where people are trying to hurt us with their words or actions, but I think those are fewer and further between than we might think.

I have days when I'm feeling pretty nice and relaxed and I do assume positive intent; but there are other days when I'm quick to judge, and quick to let my negative internal chatter rear its ugly head. I don't want to do this, and I need to make a conscious, prayerful effort to assume positive intent, because wasting my time assuming the worst is unloving and hurtful.

We've all been around others who seem to have nothing but the worst to say about others, and it's exhausting. I do not want this for myself. I do not want to be known for my negativity, but for my grace and compassion.

Lord, my prayer today is that You will fill me with overflowing grace for others around me. Help me to always assume the best intentions of others, and to shut out the negative thoughts that I'm tempted to have. Thank you for the wonderful example of love you have shown me, and please help me extend that love to others.

Amen

Television

"ARGH!!!!!!!!!!"

This is how Devin and I have been feeling about television and movies lately. Complete and utter frustration. I feel silly even bringing it up sometimes because it's such a "first world problem". But the reality is, it is our reality. We don't have to watch anything, EVER, if we don't want to, but we do want to. Life is slow in Gravelbourg, and sometimes it's nice to sit down and watch something on Netflix or television and just do a little nothing for awhile. The issue here is we can find very little lately that is not making us cover our eyes or squirm with discomfort. The nudity, the sexual innuendos, the cursing, the accepted immorality, the crude talk, the sex scenes...and on and on it goes. Even advertisements in the middle of the day are showing far more than I'm comfortable looking at.

I'm a big girl, I can turn off the TV when this happens (and I do), but it is happening more and more and it is starting to really get under my skin. Maybe it's pregnancy hormones, maybe it's personal convictions, maybe I'm starting to think about our precious baby coming into this messed up world. I feel the need to run and hide from this ridiculous world sometimes. I feel helpless to change it. I will just continue to turn off the screens, and pray:

Lord, have mercy on us. Protect our eyes, and guard our hearts. Give us discernment and self-control to turn away from the filth, and cleanse our minds of what we have already let in. Forgive us for the times we have thought these types of shows and movies were acceptable to watch, and protect us every time we turn on the television. Help us to honour You in all that we see and listen to.

Amen