Have you ever been disappointed by someone you trusted? If you haven’t, I’d say you are pretty lucky. I think most of us have! I had a disappointing situation this week, but it made me realize that I have made a lot of progress in how I handle situations. I chalk that up a little to maturity and a lot to Jesus.
“Old me” vs. “New me”
“Old me” would brew over the circumstances. Say or do something I would later regret. Hold on unforgiveness and maybe even bitterness. “Old me” would have been disappointed in “New me” for not standing my ground and giving in too easily to something that I didn’t perceive as fair or just.
“New me” isn’t perfect but I value peace over making my point, even when it costs me something. “New me” is trying just to let it go – after a talk with God, a hard-core exercise session, and a few glasses of wine (don’t judge). Oh and writing about it. Will it still bug me for a while? Sure it will! But I won’t ruminate over it as I would have in the past.
Advice from Proverbs on the matter
Of course, Proverbs has some wisdom for us in dealing with disappointment or conflict with others.
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense”. Proverbs 19:11
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11
Did I follow this advice perfectly? No, but a lot better than I would have in the past.
One of the things I don’t do enough of is to give myself credit when I make improvements – too busy beating myself up for the things I’m not doing. Does this sound like you too? We have to get better at celebrating our successes and not focusing on all the things we could do better.
REFLECT
- When did you last experience a disappointment with a friend or someone you trusted? Do you think you handled it well?
- What will you do differently next time someone disappoints you?
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