What's In Your Jar?
The test of a relationship and an individual, as well, is what spills out during crisis. I say ‘spills out’ because of an object lesson that comes to mind from years ago.
Imagine two dark colored glass jars sitting undisturbed on a table top. Both are filled to equal amounts with an unknown liquid. The constitution of the liquid is indiscernible due to the dark hue of the glass.
Only when the table is disturbed and the jars are overturned may one see what spills from the jars. One jar is filled with honey. The other, filled with vinegar. The lesson here is that: only when we are upset, does our true character reveal itself.
So it is in any relationship. The quality and depth of the relationship and the true character of those in relation to each other is revealed when the figurative table is upset.
Every person is accountable for the direction in which he persuades each relationship in which he is. If one knows his sister is given to a particular weakness, but provokes her to that point of losing control; not only is she accountable for giving in to her weakness, but he is accountable for knowingly provoking her to the breaking point.
If two people wish to remain in a healthy relationship with each other, both have a responsibility to exert every effort to bring out goodness in his/her partner (wife, son, friend, etc.). When we engage in any antagonistic effort (passive or aggressive), we are responsible for driving away the Spirit of the Lord and thus leaving our relationship to wane under the guidance of the adversary of mankind. When we knowingly provoke our loved one or even a stranger to anger, we share in the responsibility for the consequences of that anger.
When tension rises, we must be sure to continue to relate with love and kindness to those around us, as the Savior would have us do. When the storm is howling and blowing the trees and bushes outside, we must not also throw things around inside our own house. We must take refuge inside our personal temple. Within our own bodies, we remain safe from any spiritual storms if we remain in control and only say and do those things the Lord would have us say and do.
When a person masters himself, he masters all.
When two people who have mastered themselves relate to each other, the relationship is magnificent and what, I believe, the Lord intends for us to have with each other.
When the table is upset and two jars of honey reveal their contents, all is well.
Imagine two dark colored glass jars sitting undisturbed on a table top. Both are filled to equal amounts with an unknown liquid. The constitution of the liquid is indiscernible due to the dark hue of the glass.
Only when the table is disturbed and the jars are overturned may one see what spills from the jars. One jar is filled with honey. The other, filled with vinegar. The lesson here is that: only when we are upset, does our true character reveal itself.
So it is in any relationship. The quality and depth of the relationship and the true character of those in relation to each other is revealed when the figurative table is upset.
Every person is accountable for the direction in which he persuades each relationship in which he is. If one knows his sister is given to a particular weakness, but provokes her to that point of losing control; not only is she accountable for giving in to her weakness, but he is accountable for knowingly provoking her to the breaking point.
If two people wish to remain in a healthy relationship with each other, both have a responsibility to exert every effort to bring out goodness in his/her partner (wife, son, friend, etc.). When we engage in any antagonistic effort (passive or aggressive), we are responsible for driving away the Spirit of the Lord and thus leaving our relationship to wane under the guidance of the adversary of mankind. When we knowingly provoke our loved one or even a stranger to anger, we share in the responsibility for the consequences of that anger.
When tension rises, we must be sure to continue to relate with love and kindness to those around us, as the Savior would have us do. When the storm is howling and blowing the trees and bushes outside, we must not also throw things around inside our own house. We must take refuge inside our personal temple. Within our own bodies, we remain safe from any spiritual storms if we remain in control and only say and do those things the Lord would have us say and do.
When a person masters himself, he masters all.
When two people who have mastered themselves relate to each other, the relationship is magnificent and what, I believe, the Lord intends for us to have with each other.
When the table is upset and two jars of honey reveal their contents, all is well.
Thanks, Sally! I really enjoyed reading this. Good writing! I see the evidence in your character and relationships with your kids that you truly live according to the advice you've given here.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of a book I just read last week called "The Anatomy of Peace". It's a good one.
Love you, Sally!!!