Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, February 4, 2023
Ah! Love! It is the stuff of poets, the fuel for Taylor Swift albums, and the reason for sweaty palms and nervous laughs. Romantic love is about as straightforward as assembling IKEA furniture with instructions written in Swedish.
Love is complicated and messy, yet worth it. It's a beautiful gift.
Reflecting on the stories of those who have been married forever, the one area they had to figure out was how to work through conflict. Most of us need to deal with conflict better in our relationships. So, let me give you some practical suggestions - I still need to figure it out.
First, start with your own heart. It won't be healthy to approach conflict from a place of resentment or revenge. Remember the words of Jesus, "Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye but do not notice the log in your eye? (Matthew 7: 3).
Secondly, Make it safe. The safer someone feels during the conflict, the more willing they are to have open conversations. The more fear, the more likely they will close up. The goal is not to win an argument. The goal is reconciliation.
Thirdly, Strive toward a shared story. Victim stories, "It's not my fault," villain stories, "It's all your fault," and helpless stories, "There is nothing I can do," never help in resolving conflict. Stay open in the conversation until you can create an agreed-upon story.
Fourth, Agree on a clear action plan. When we develop an agreed-upon story, we need a plan for moving forward. Make it concrete.
When it comes to modern relationships, there are a lot of mid-season quitters. This "isn't worth it" attitude exists in marriages today. And a lot of it has to do with our lack of extending forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not easy. It is hard because life is hard. Forgiveness is accepting that we cannot change the past, but we can decide how we will live in the future. Will we hold on to resentment, or will we forgive?
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Heavenly Father, the source of all love and wisdom, in the complexities of love and relationships, where we often find ourselves lost and bewildered, we seek Your light to guide our paths. Bless our relationships, Lord, that they may reflect Your love and grace. Guide us in our journey together so that through the ups and downs, we may remain committed, loving, and forgiving, just as Abraham and Sarah did under Your watchful eye. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What did the tortoise say on Valentine's Day? I turt-ally love you!
What's Cupid's favorite band? Kiss!
Wisdom Nugget: Do not be impatient with your slow progress. Every step forward is a step in the right direction.
A Question to Consider: What strategies or practices could help you cultivate more patience with your progress?
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am Reading
Videos I Found Interesting:
Former FBI Agent Explains How to Read Body Language | Tradecraft | WIRED
Found Interesting on Social Media
Elmo Checks In
https://twitter.com/elmo/status/1751995117366296904
And this article: Elmo did a well-being check-in with everyone and unintentionally opened the floodgates
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
Metaphors for the spiritual life
Why Don’t We Teach People How to Parent?
Top Ten - a little brain dump
What if someone owned a portable movie setup business? Where could it be set up?
Backyard party
On a dock facing the lake where boats could pull up
Swimming pool party
In a large field
Parking lot
Cul-de-sac
Weddings - part of the after-party
high school gyms
Bars and Restaurants
Assisted Living Homes
Where else? What am I missing?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Join Amped Kids Foundation on March 7th for dinner and an evening of music with special guest John Berry, supporting music programs for foster, adopted, and at-risk youth. Semi-formal attire. Enjoy a cash bar, silent auction, and special presentation.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." — Walter Winchell