It hasn’t rained and won’t rain in many days. I am thrilled! But a farmer somewhere out there is praying for rain.
I am so happy that my middle school friend, Brianne, is baptized. But her family is not so pleased.
When admitted to the hospital with toxemia while pregnant with Kyle and Jordan, I told the nurse, “I just want to have them!” But she said, “Not today! That would be way more work for me!”
On playgroup mornings, I look forward to the outing. But Natalie plans something different for her day because she does not enjoy playgroups.
When 9-11 happened, there was tears, sorrow, and anger in the U.S. But in many places in the Middle East, there were cheerings and celebrations in the streets.
When Sanjaya got voted off American Idol this last week, I thought, “FINALLY!” But his friends, family, and fans were pretty upset, I am sure.
When Mike took a whole day to go fishing with Shad in the Gulf, I thought, “ugh!” But he was as excited as a little boy on Christmas Eve!
When we moved to Georgia, Jessi was so happy! But Mike’s parents in Washington were sad that we were moving even further away from them!
When I pull out my camera, sometimes my boys’ reaction is, “ruuuuuunnnn!” But my response is, “Come back! It will be so fun!”
I like how Tanner was born in Texas. But Kyle K. (you know, Ashley’s husband, the Californian) is ashamed his first born is a Texan. (Right, Ashley? :))
When I pull out a long Jane Austen movie, I am giddy. But Mike’s reaction is, “Not again.”
It is so interesting to me that the same thing or same event can mean something so different to different people. The same event can evoke such different emotions in different people. I think that is one of life’s big lessons - to learn to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and try to understand their perspective. Where are they coming from? How do they feel? What experiences are they having that might be different from mine? When I try to do this, I find I am not as quick to judge, not as quick to be offended, and not as quick to anger.
On a different note - we found a snake today!
I am so happy that my middle school friend, Brianne, is baptized. But her family is not so pleased.
When admitted to the hospital with toxemia while pregnant with Kyle and Jordan, I told the nurse, “I just want to have them!” But she said, “Not today! That would be way more work for me!”
On playgroup mornings, I look forward to the outing. But Natalie plans something different for her day because she does not enjoy playgroups.
When 9-11 happened, there was tears, sorrow, and anger in the U.S. But in many places in the Middle East, there were cheerings and celebrations in the streets.
When Sanjaya got voted off American Idol this last week, I thought, “FINALLY!” But his friends, family, and fans were pretty upset, I am sure.
When Mike took a whole day to go fishing with Shad in the Gulf, I thought, “ugh!” But he was as excited as a little boy on Christmas Eve!When we moved to Georgia, Jessi was so happy! But Mike’s parents in Washington were sad that we were moving even further away from them!
When I pull out my camera, sometimes my boys’ reaction is, “ruuuuuunnnn!” But my response is, “Come back! It will be so fun!”
I like how Tanner was born in Texas. But Kyle K. (you know, Ashley’s husband, the Californian) is ashamed his first born is a Texan. (Right, Ashley? :))
When I pull out a long Jane Austen movie, I am giddy. But Mike’s reaction is, “Not again.”
It is so interesting to me that the same thing or same event can mean something so different to different people. The same event can evoke such different emotions in different people. I think that is one of life’s big lessons - to learn to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and try to understand their perspective. Where are they coming from? How do they feel? What experiences are they having that might be different from mine? When I try to do this, I find I am not as quick to judge, not as quick to be offended, and not as quick to anger.
On a different note - we found a snake today!
9 comments:
I think Kyle has gotten used to the idea. We all have a little bit of Texas in us still. We always talk about how Lance is our favorite souviner from Texas. I am sure Kyle dreams of having a California baby someday, but he will always be fond of our time in Texas!
Great thought Audra. This thought has been in my mind, but not so eloquently put, for my lesson today. In Matt 18:15-17 the Savior teaches about talking to people when they have offended you, finding out their perspective, and in return many times you have gained a brother. I love your thoughts and plan to quote you today. I hope you don't mind.
Very insightful! That is something I need to remember. Very well-written, too! Thanks!
great post, audra! definitely something to think about. empathy is one of the most Christ-like virtues, I think. It's very hard to achieve, but then it's also very simple. Thanks for the food for thought! Happy Sunday!
I was hoping Ashley had a blog... and congrats on your soon to be born baby girl! I had to laugh about the Texas comment. When I was 14 and my family moved here, I never imagined I'd marry someone from here and have 3 of my kids born here. It hasn't been so bad, but I do miss my family now that they're gone. This is a great post Audra, as usual. I need to get your phone number and call you!
Thanks for sharing this Audra... you put things so well. I like how you shared so many personal examples... good stuff to think about!
Ditto to all the other posts. And, by the way, my roommate Mary (who reads our blogs) said to me yesterday, "You and your sisters are so good at expressing things! You always know the right words to use!" I said I would have to tell you that, because you don't feel like you are, and she was very surprised that you don't feel like you're a good writer. Also, I totally laughed at the last line! It made me so happy!
What do you mean you're not a good writer??
I love that my kids are born Texans. I think it's just fun. This was a great post.
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