Sometimes it is necessary to “go into the game fighting” so to speak, but most of the time the issue at hand I not a big deal.
Football season in here and grandparents are often making sure they are in the stands to cheer for the young people who are “in the game”.
As aging people, living in close proximity to a variety of people, we need to choose a position as well in the games of life that play out all around us each day. We can choose to play “defensively” when an offensive comment or encounter is hurled our way, seemingly from out of nowhere.
When the natural response is to go on the offensive and return offense in like manner, the result is always an escalation and more conflict. Sometimes it is necessary to “go into the game fighting” so to speak, but most of the time the issue at hand I not a big deal.
Here‘s the thing. I want friendly, congenial relationships with those around me, and in so far as it depends on me, I will do what I can to make that happen. When I encounter an offense, I am choosing to take refuge in God. Let me explain. There is a secret quiet place where I can meet with God and it is the place where I make up my mind about everything. In the famous 23rd Psalm, it is described as a place of “still waters where the soul is resorted”
So in practical terms, when I feel offended… I find a way to give myself some quiet time to reflect and regroup so that I can choose a response that will put me on the winning side.
I choose to play with a defensive strategy. It works for me.
Marion Lorence
Glendale Place, Resident Manager
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