Like a Lion

There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him. Prov. 30:29-31

A lion is an animal of great strength. But I had not before considered his courage. Yet here is an encouragement to be like the lion, not turning back from something that looks too hard. Nothing can make a lion turn back. Matthew Henry says it like this; "The lion turns not away, nor alters his pace, for fear of any pursuers, since he knows he is too hard for them." We are to be as bold as this lion; no duty God calls us to is meant to be shyed away from. Difficulties are not meant to be an excuse to do something easier. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." James 1:2

A New Form of Leadership

Well, it's done. We talked and it wasn't bad! It helped that we kept the mood light. I said what I needed to, and wasn't even seen as the bad guy. Amazing. The other party is now aware of some things that (hopefully) will be dealt with. Praise God it went well.

This just makes me laugh. You know how there can be awkward times in life? Well, I think one of the most so is when you're out having a meal with a person of the opposite gender and the check comes. If you're just friends, it's fine. You look at each other and both say "seperate, please." But if there's an attraction, it becomes more complicated. The waitress is standing, looking at you, watching for any sign of an answer. Now me, I want to say "together" but don't want to make the guy feel like he has to pay. What I don't understand is why the waitress asks me this question. Isn't the guy the leader? Why doesn't she ask him? New procedure for all waiters! Ask the male if the checks are seperate or together! Let him be responsible and take even that small role of leadership. If he's not interested in the girl, he can always say, "seperate" and it's fine. If he says, "together" than the girl knows he is a guy who will take care of her, should their friendship move to a more intimate level.

For any guys reading this, please speak up first when the waiter asks how the checks should be divided. Don't let your girl friend be the one who has to decide. Or, talk with her beforehand about who will pay. Lol... it makes for a funny moment, but honestly, it can be avoided.

Ah, the pleasures of mixed company...

Communication Issues

Will I ever learn?? I ask myself one Monday afternoon. This has happened before. And back then I ended up looking like the bad guy. It looks like it'll end up that way once more.

It all starts with a roommate doing something minor (like leaving crumbs on the counter) and me taking a deep breath. I clean it up and hope it won't happen again. Then it happens again. And again. It continues until I'm ready to explode. Then I put it aside for a while, hoping I can deal with it and just accept the person's actions. But after time, I'm ready to explode again. Then it just becomes downright tension-full to be around the person.

Can I help it that I'm a first-born, with a large sense of responsibility and likes things to be clean? Is it wrong that I want other people to respect my things? Is my strong-will so intimidating?

I'm about to have another one of those conversations. When I think about how the finger will be pointed at me, it makes me angry. I won't rant and rave on this site, but here are a few thoughts:

1) Never allow even a minor repetitive offense to linger. If you address it the second or third time it happens, you can save yourself a headache.
2) Set guidelines for cleaniness and chores as soon as you move in with someone.
3) Take the upper hand. Be the one to request a "talk." Whoever requests the talk will end up looking like the one in the right. Don't wait for them to ask what's wrong with you - Tell them.
4) Don't be angry when you voice your annoyances/complaints. Breath with the knowledge that it's not that big a deal.
5) Put yourself in the other person's shoes before you speak. This will aid you in your approach.
6) Resolve it in one conversation.
7) Smile.

By this time tomorrow, it should have passed. I pray for God's hand over my mouth, to keep me from saying what I shouldn't. I pray for the other party, that they would understand what I say and be willing to compromise.

I always thought my future marriage wouldn't be so difficult. Maybe I am wrong? Maybe God is preparing me better?

FYI: If you ever live with me, please clean up your own messes!