but I do feel bad for dropping so many balls this time around.  Well here goes picking up the easiest one 

3. Fake it till you feel it. Feelings follow actions. If I’m feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myself actually feeling happier. If I’m feeling angry at someone, I do something thoughtful for her and my feelings toward her soften. This strategy is uncannily effective.

Hmmm...

I do the first part of this one fairly well most of the time..but the last part...not in my play book.   If I'm truly ill with you I won't spend a moments effort being nice or thoughtful.  Plotting revenge I intend to never carry out..yes...thoughtful..no. 

Has this ever occurred to me?  Well of course.  If you've spent much time in a Sunday School class you were told to 'pray for your enemies.'  A more direct translation from The Message:


Matthew 5:43-44

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'

I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer.

My commitment to that has lasted about as long as the next prayer.  I can't think of a single time I have prayed twice for an enemy without some reminder to do so..much less reach out in act of kindness or thoughtfulness.

But when you think about it...what in my life makes me sad?  The people that I feel have hurt me (from my view intentionally) or let me down (lacking the strength of mind or heart I felt they should have)  Applying a little John 3:17 would be an effective strategy here.  (Christ came to save not judge)

What makes me happy?  Making people happy...and I don't think it matters if I have hard feelings toward that person or not...there is still joy there.

That said the plan seems pretty obvious.  To protect the innocent I will be making a non-public list of people I need to 'get-over'...for lack of a better term.  Not that I intend to be great friends with all of them, but a peace offering..for peace in my own heart...will do us all good.

...and to protect the even more innocent.  If I do something for you...ask me...I'll tell you the truth.


Accountability Update:  I have begun riding the trainer at home.  Not so good on the walking after a spell of cooler weather.  I have been good on my nightly routine of yoga but slack on classes.for two weeks.  I am back in the saddle there too.