As we've experienced this trial of infertility I've often wondered about other people:
Are there things that I say that make them want to/make them cry the moment I say it?
Are there things I do that I don't realize I've done that hurt them?
Is there something I can do for them that I don't realize I can do to help?
Is there something hurting them that I am completely unaware of?
I want to be better about not hurting others,
whether it be that I just need to be nice to everyone,
not as sarcastic,
not as ornery,
etc.
I'm definitely NOT close to be good at this.
But I want to be better.
I'm sure you are thinking, there has to be some story to all of these ramblings,
there is, but it's not important, plus I'm pretty sure the person was wrong.
I really don't want this post to be about me,
I really want to know how to be better about recognizing things to help others,
ways to not hurt others' feelings,
ways to be more Christlike.
What are your thoughts?
I think this is part of the huge challenge we have in mortality. Just loving others, and not judging. Sometimes I'm sure we say things that aren't intended to hurt others, but I know I've been trying to just listen to others' stories and not try to lend advice or opinions to it (unless they are asking for it specifically) because sometimes when you lend that sort of opinion it comes off wrong... like, well "I" do it this way or feel this way, therefore "YOU" must be doing it wrong, is how it sometimes comes off even if that was not how it was intended. Mostly I have come to realize thru my own trials that no two people and their experiences and the things they are supposed to learn from those experiences are the same. It's between them and Heavenly Father, and my only job is to love them thru it all. I don't know if any of that makes sense, but basically I totally agree with you and just wish everyone could treat others as Christ would treat them. Empathizing is a skill that takes time to develop, but it is crucial if we are to truly love our fellow men.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I love your comment! I hope I can learn to do those things too!
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