First and Last
Most of the time I try to mediate, that peer mediation position in middle school has paid off 😉. Trying to let them work it out in a somewhat civil manner most often suggesting compromise for both parties.
Who would’ve thought compromise would be so hard? It’s the end of the world because I suggest to give a little more to the other person than yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve quoted the scripture “the first will be last and the last will be first.” Enough times that I might get eye rolls from both when I begin, “Do you remember what Jesus said about being first all the time?”
Often we think kids are being ridiculous when they aren’t willing to budge on their stance, but we as adults can be just as silly.
Scenarios of adults playing the game I’m right, your wrong; your dumb, I’m smart; I’m first, your last happens far more often than it should. Why? Because no one is willing to compromise.
Compromise is that ugly word that challenges our pride, makes us question our motives, and lets us know exactly where we stand on loving others. Many view compromise as weakness; on the contrary, it actually is strength.
It’s strength to keep your mouth closed when you want to open it and spew everything from your mind even though you know you shouldn’t. It is strength to place others’ lives ahead of your own even though every ounce of you is screaming, “Me first!” And it is strength to realize, maybe just maybe, this is what Jesus meant when he said love others as yourself.
This struggle is definitely real. And even though I may get eye roll after eye roll when I start up my “talk”, I will continue making it just the same. Praying that maybe just maybe it will stick; for me and them alike.
With love,
Tori
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