We’ve got to stop fearing the tool of calm in the campaign against living miserably. Nowhere is this more true than in our relationship with others. We place way to much confidence in negative stuff like complaining, rage, temper, nagging, finger pointing and blaming to try to move things forward in relationships. If I could get you to do one thing that will transform your relationship with even the most tedious person in your life it is; start being a non-anxious presence every time you are around them.
You can lower anxiety by
- Start believing that being calm is a signal that you actually trust God.
- Start practicing calming behaviors like breathing deeply, talking softly and listening intently.
- Show empathy and concern about the other persons feelings.
- Accept the fact that you cannot bend another person to your will.
In the context of relationship, the Apostle Paul writes, Philippians 4:2-7 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There once were two cats of Kilkenny
Each thought there was one cat too many
So they fought and they fit
And they scratched and they bit
‘Til excepting their nails
And the tips of their tails
Instead of two cats there weren’t any.