"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." ... Proverbs 19:11
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Remember this verse?
"Do not cast your pearls before swine." ... Matthew 7:6
Well, this is the way I've transcribed it inside my own head: "Don't cast your pearls before people who would criticize you or your pearls."
This is what I mean: There are certain people with whom I never discuss my favorite tv shows, like Frasier, for instance. Some 'offense spreaders' would tell me they never watch Frasier because once they watched a 'not-nice' episode which they had to switch off--forever. (You know, the ol' 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' thing.) Well, I loved most of the Frasier episodes-- I just skip the not-nice ones, and I hate to hear the entire series tied up with a "It's All Trash" bow.
So I don't cast my Frasier pearls before those who would criticize them (or me for watching).
This also goes for sharing what I'm learning about eating organically and avoiding those appliances and medications (and such) which may cause damage to my body. You know, Tree Hugger stuff. Oh my, there are quite a few people in my Real Life, especially, with whom I avoid those subjects.
Frankly, the hints that I'm primed and packed for the insane asylum bug me.
When I've watched a favorite movie or tv show 10 times, I'm quite careful I don't share that information with offense spreaders who hate that type of film/series. (Nor do I invite them to watch.) This also goes for the children's books I read, especially. I received too many, "What? Are you still a child?" comments or stares in my naive days.
Now, if I enjoyed a rousing ol' discussion where I must defend what I love, well, that would be different. (Some people love those 'discussions.') But I am a hater of conflict--I always change the tv channel when I see people arguing or I sneak out of rooms of arguers.
Shiver. I prefer peace.
Of course, as for Life's vital areas, I will stand for what I believe--but only to a point. I've finally learned to recognize when others are beyond changing their minds. Knowing when to speak--and when to shut-up--comes in handy for ones sanity.
This keeping my pearls away from the haters of my pearls makes for a happier life. There's less setting myself up to get upset, less stress and less time and prayer needed to forgive others for hurting my feelings.
And in Today's Crazy World? I'll take every tiny bit of good advice which enables me to see more good days than bad ones.
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"If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies." ... 1 Peter 3:10
"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." ... 2 Timothy 2:23
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14 comments:
Well said! I never thought of that verse that way. My personal pearl is the fact that I homeschool. I really hate hearing how I am ruining my children. We have had to develop quite a thick skin. Now I can choose not to share without feeling that it is something to be ashamed of, something to hide. Thank you!! Happy New Year!
Debra, what a great post! You just made my life a lot easier. People always make fun of my choices in TV, books,movies,etc. What a relief to know that I can keep it to myself!
I wrote a comment, and then realized, I'm not sure if you're referring to Blogging, or Real Life. We do have Comment Verification in Blogging, so that can eliminate icky comments. But... not so.... in Real Life. :-(
And that's probably what you are referring to.
Anyway, I came over to wish you and yours, a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Gentle hugs,
Aunt Amelia
And did I ever say Thank You for not making us do Word Verification here, in order to comment?!? If not, I thank you now!
I too use Comment Verification and don't need Word Ver. and don't have it turned on.
I so dislike Word Verification! That I always thank people, who don't make me do it. :-)
This is why my husband has a television in the basement and I have one in the den.
He can happily watch dancing shows and bloody crime shows while I am upstairs watching decorating shows, Antiques Roadshow and whatever is on the History Channel.
Although he has been talking about getting a fridge for the basement...
Much to ponder...
As always, Debra, I love your post! And even if by chance some day I find one with which I don't agree, I'll always love you!
Happy New Year! May God continue to bless you!
what a wonderful post upon which to build a new outlook for 2010. p.s. i've been thinking of you today and that i need to have you choppered in to help me figure out how to redo my bedroom to look like it was done when the house was built and to be snuggly, faded cozy and soft and perfect for reading. so start working on that! love to your farmhouse and all who live and love there!
Happy New Year. I've enjoyed following the journey with you throughout 2009 and look forward to your posts in 2010.
no fun to have others rain on ones parade - especially on purpose ... so i hear ya ...
blessings on your 2010!!!
hi debra! alas i am home alone too (well if you don't count our boys who are busy eating everything that isn't nailed down.) my mr. is at church playing bass for the worship service and running to check on his elderly parents. we've always enjoyed welcoming midnight at home in the quiet so i'm getting snacks ready for his return. i had been thinking of blue and white, maybe a very pale robin's egg or periwinkle? i have "visited" your guest room many times and think it's lovely. we'll keep in touch until i get it just right! have been hunting vintage wallpaper as well...expensive! love to you!
p.s. I have added your Farm blog link to my Moments blog without your permission; I hope it's ok?
I've learned so many new things from people who are growing ahead of me or who have had different experiences or lives in general. You should write another blog called Casting My Pearls and only share it with those you know won't criticize you - I, for one, would love to read what you're appreciating, learning and doing that might help me grow or discover something new and entertaining! :)
Thanks, Everyone, for your lovely comments!
I think I should clarify something, though... This post wasn't really speaking of the things I share in this blog, but rather, it addresses more of what I've experienced in my 'real life.' As far as my blog goes, I believe God directs me what to say (or gives me permission to say how I feel about certain things), and well, He gives me grace to handle the comments here. So it's easier here for me to hand over to Him any comments which bug me. :)
Thanks, again, for taking the time to comment and encourage me! Blessings, Debra
You are so smart! You make some good points and I really agree. I have been doing the same for awhile. I am not willing to butt heads with people whose minds I won't change or who want to change mine. Just not worth it to get myself upset or to upset others.
I love Frasier, too!
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