Have
you ever been asked to do a favor for someone (relative or friend) that went
against what you wanted for yourself? Here are some examples of this. Your wife
and son need to visit family for a week. Someone needs to stay home and watch
your two German Shepherds (Carl and Carlene. Kenneling or dog sitting are not
viable options for you).
You
have posted a comment on your Facebook page that could possibly embarrass your
extended family. Your brother has asked you to remove it. A sarcastic comment
is on the tip of your tongue. In anger, you are ready to deliver it immediately
to a friend of yours. The comment could potentially emotionally devastate your
friend. You refrain.
There
are really only two factors in restraining from doing as one pleases. Those
would be love and fear. With fear, one refrains from doing something because of
an unpleasant outcome. This is result based. With love, a person is cared for
deeply. Out of respect for them, an action is refrained from. This is
emotionally based.
Choosing
to be selfless whether really want to or not is commendable, (Refrain from
reminding the recipient of your action just how selfless you are being. Doing
this can get ugly.) Making this decision can be painful (and strange) at first.
The more you do it. The more natural the action becomes. This is a life-long
pursuit into a more outwardly- focused life.
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