Handling Conflict in a more Peaceful Way

People throughout life naturally put their defenses up.  When something isn't going their way, people normally have a fight or flight reaction when it comes to conflict.

Usually when I know something isn't going to go well, I will curl up in my little fetal position until whatever it is gives up or goes away.  I am not much of a fighter.  Being the people pleaser that i am, I would much rather make everyone happy.  This is not always the good or healthy way to deal with problems, I realize.

So, yesterday started typically like most Sundays.  I have been bad about taking my needed meditation time here in the last week and decided that if I was going to make it through Sunday, I needed some good God time.  So, my typical candles and tea that I use to settle the noise.

I spent alot of time reminding myself to "Be still and know that I am God."  I always go back to that verse.  It is a verse that always centers me.  Then I spent some time, per a friend's suggestion, concentrating on "How can I serve You today, God."  This was where my focus stayed concentrating on peace and letting God lead me where needed.  Removing the noise and focusing on serving was refreshing for a Sunday morning.

Advance about 30 minutes -- insert conflict.  People have conflicts with others and constant bickering and challenging that is in their nature.  It really doesn't matter the situation, but it arose (or could have.)  I had my "Be Still" rock in my pocket.  I often carry it on Sundays as a gentle reminder especially on Sundays.  Instead of reverting to my normal catlike claws flared and ready to pounce, I decided to take the peaceful approach.

The solution -- 2 people coming to a common understanding of each other's needs and realizing that having our claws extended towards each other was not making either one of us happy or the relationship healthy.  I again felt a sense of peace.  It was almost as if, that one gesture answered the question, "How can I serve you today, God."

It was empowering.  It was calming.  It was peaceful

AMEN.