dailydatewithgod

Sometimes we find ourselves tangled up in situations or encounters with people and we wonder how we got there. Words are exchanged, gestures are made, and we are left with an odd feeling that it was not the interaction we intended.  The question is do we choose to run with the tangled situation or do we choose to pause and take the time to unravel it?  In some cases, we may choose to pretend it is not there or intentionally ignore it.  An awareness of what is happening internally often makes it not as plausible that we will ignore it.  Over the years, I have become keenly aware of my internal feelings and thoughts.  I presume this comes from the practice of mindful awareness that I developed during my daily prayer and meditation dates.  It is not always comfortable being aware of the internal process.  It either provides insight or makes one want to get rid of it.  Engaging the breath makes it easier to walk through but I have learned that comfort is overrated. Growth is not comfortable. I learned the hard way that opting to numb out or ignore does not actually lead to freedom.  A willingness to take a closer look and unravel the experience is what sets the stage for freedom.  The 12 steps taught me the principle of taking ownership of my thoughts and behaviors at the exclusion of others. I cannot do anything about what others do or say, but I can do something about my reactions to what they do or say.  If I find myself entangled by an interaction with another person, I am the one who is entangled.  It is up to me to choose to unravel it or not.  The beauty of a relationship with God which is focused on growth is I no longer have to spend my time making myself wrong for being entangled.  Staying in the conversation of me being wrong only hinders my willingness to unravel the experience.  God reminds me it is about unraveling so I can find the love hiding beneath the surface.  The courage to unravel a situation ultimately provides the freedom to live and to love with compassion and strength.  My daily date with God serves as a grounding in the truth of who I am so I don’t get tangled and twisted up in thinking the experience is me.