Difficult Conversations......for the good of all

So you are not planning on having a Difficult Conversation in the near future.  Well, few of us do.  We rarely schedule "difficult conversation" in our planners; they just pop up and we are pressed to remember our manners, and the teachings of our Lord as well.

But I was remembering back to conversations with my children when they were teens.  Such a challenging time for both parties.  Our children are stretching and growing and trying out new identities just as they try out new clothes.  They try different language and different conversations styles (grunting is a favorite). They will try new behaviors and dream outrageous dreams.  The child we thought we knew seems to disappear, but then that is what is happening from their perspective as well - they can't figure out what is going on.

All of which results in some Difficult Conversations.  Now these are not equal conversations.  Parents are parents: that's their job.  But some of these 10 Commandments for Having Difficult Conversations might be helpful as you jump into the fray one more time.  With our children it is easy to see our vested interest in maintaining order and working for their good (we do love them).  That is not always the case when we talk about volatile topics with others, but it might help us find our way.

[All this while confessing that I have resorted to "because I'm the mother, that's why" more than once in my parenting career.]

Our last two 'commandments.'

9. Never ridicule another’s faith/ position. Those on either side of an issue often smirk, raise their eyebrows, and adopt a snide tone of voice when speaking of those on the other side.
Ridicule does not lead to constructive engagement.

10. Pray for those with whom we differ. Pray not that God brings them to see the truth as we see it, but that God brings us all to see the truth as God sees it and to repent of the pettiness and arrogance that blinds us.

A gracious and open heart can stop division in its tracks.  Peace be with you today, and as life comes at you.  Our Lord be your guide and your comfort.

Shalom.