Oct 14 2009
The Consequenses of Reaction
There is no such thing as not having time to respond appropriately, but a reaction takes no time at all. Reaction doesn’t require thought; it just happens. Reaction shows no regard to the consequences or regard to maturity. Reaction shows where you who you really are.
It is very hard not to react to a bad situation which welds up emotions we do not care to exibit: sorrow, disappointment, anger,…, to name a few. Yet we face them and we mess up making our consequenses far worse than if we would have stopped, slowed down, and thought over the situation.
I am normally a reaction type person. I have stressed over little things. Blown up when the little things piled up and dashed into situations without regard to a plan or setting a goal. In the process, I have hurt individuals with my tongue or my actions, then worse of all, blown my Christian witness like an explosion crashing through a window. Not pretty! I end up feeling guilty, disappointed, rejected, and worthless for my tongue or actions end result—my immaturity.
Lately, responding to bad situations has graced itself into my life. I don’t feel so narrowed in delimas. Sometimes it feels like I am not hearing the disappointing news in it’s full value of response until I have thought about it for awhile. I then start to weigh my options and how I want to represent myself when I confront the disappointment. Today could have turned into a devistation if I would have reacted instead of thinking about it. Had I not thought about the date, my finances would have bound me. In the course of my slow deliberation, I sought advice for a difficult decision, I kept my promise, I had time to eat a delicious sandwich, but most of all, I kept my Christian cool. When I am able to confront the source of my disappointment, I will be able to maintain an honest response and gain justice for a wrong at the same time. I will keep my dignity while taking a stand.
Now that is Maturity!
Blessings!
Nancy J. Rich
