I don't like being one upped. 

I like to have the best story, the best solution, and the best idea.  I have even found a new competitve sport recently...gardening.  I want the best yard on the street.

So, I'm not too crazy about those people who know it all and think they know what is best for me.  Why not?  I sense their judgment and the undertone of disapproval.  

I guess other people don't like it when I play my trump cards on them either.

Therefore, I continue to receive the gift of living graciously.  I know people who have this gift.  And I really like them.  They pump freedom into the air around them.  These blessed few seem to have no need to change other people or to one up them.  Perhaps they have made peace with the fact that the only people they can change is themselves (and that's tough enough!).

Paradoxically, it is these people, these non-trump playing, freedom-giving, life-affirming few who help to create and inspire the environment for positive change by not attempting to change anyone.  They simply emit peace and love.

Maybe I'll put up my trump cards and let it be.

 
Worth Repeating


You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.                   

                                -Anne Lamott
                            


Let them be

Think of one person you are trying to control.  What one person are you perpetually frustrated with because they won't do right?

For one week, let them be.  Yes, they are likely to be making poor choices.  But unless those choices are life-threatening to themselves or others, let them be.  Become a presence of unexpected grace and acceptance around them.  For one week.  Just try it and see what happens.

Cheers,

Bruce