Looking for it
I know I have mentioned a couple times how tense things have been at work the past few days. With that tension has come some conflict. Emotions have run high, feelings have been hurt, and things have been said or done that should not have been. I have been part of those events. It has not been easy.
There is one particular gentleman that I have butted heads with. I did not like doing it. It has bothered me. We still have to work together, but each time we have been in the same room the past few days there has been tension. I have been trying to think how I could help change that.
While I was thinking about it, a thought came to me. When I was a missionary and had conflict with my companions, the guidance I was always given was look for the opportunity to serve. I would iron shirts, shine shoes, pay for laundry, or try to figure out how I could be of service to my companion. When I was looking for those opportunities, things seemed to go smoother.
I also found that when we were looking for those opportunities with those people we were teaching, we had more people to teach. We had more people that were interested in hearing our message. More doors were opened to us.
The more I thought about it, the more I think that this is what Nephi was talking about when he found favor in the heart of Ishmael. Maybe this is what Ammon did with Limhi. Maybe this is what we need to do more of. Maybe we should look for opportunities to help our siblings clean, do homework, or complete a chore. Maybe we should cook a meal for our room mates, share with them a skill or let them share a talent with us.
I have tried that the past couple days and it seems to work. Things are not always peachie keene, but they are civil, social, and enjoyable. Look for it. You may be surprised what you find.
There is one particular gentleman that I have butted heads with. I did not like doing it. It has bothered me. We still have to work together, but each time we have been in the same room the past few days there has been tension. I have been trying to think how I could help change that.
While I was thinking about it, a thought came to me. When I was a missionary and had conflict with my companions, the guidance I was always given was look for the opportunity to serve. I would iron shirts, shine shoes, pay for laundry, or try to figure out how I could be of service to my companion. When I was looking for those opportunities, things seemed to go smoother.
I also found that when we were looking for those opportunities with those people we were teaching, we had more people to teach. We had more people that were interested in hearing our message. More doors were opened to us.
The more I thought about it, the more I think that this is what Nephi was talking about when he found favor in the heart of Ishmael. Maybe this is what Ammon did with Limhi. Maybe this is what we need to do more of. Maybe we should look for opportunities to help our siblings clean, do homework, or complete a chore. Maybe we should cook a meal for our room mates, share with them a skill or let them share a talent with us.
I have tried that the past couple days and it seems to work. Things are not always peachie keene, but they are civil, social, and enjoyable. Look for it. You may be surprised what you find.
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