Slow to Anger

What happens inside of us when someone criticizes us? I know for me, the first impulse is to defend myself; especially if I think my actions were justifiable, ... right?  While turning the tables on our "attacker" is natural, it is also potentially dangerous to our relationships (any type of our relationships that we have).  This is how daily everyday events quickly turn into major blow-ups.

Time to Slow Down

The most relaxed relationships enjoy what we call periods of fallow time. "Fallow" means to lie dormant, or idle, and it's a concept that has been applied in most situations. In Biblical times, farmers would use a rotation system of seven-year periods to revitalize their fields. For six years, they would plant and harvest, but during the seventh year, the field was allowed to lie fallow. The fallow year was a time to replenish and nourish. We need to build this concept into our various relationships (marriage, soon-to-be-married, family, friends, co-workers, new friends etc). After we fill our minds with information and fill our days with activity, we need to make an effort to provide some fallow time and space for our closest relationships. But a sabbatical every seven years won't do the trick! (smile, please).... Instead, you need to include fallow time every now and then....to spend some quality time, seeing the sunset / sunrise, hanging out, going shopping, without any particular purpose or agenda in mind. To find fallow time, you'll most likely have to cut out some other activity or commitment. But when you take the step, you'll find that it'll help you connect and build more on your closest relationships.

Relationship Builders:

• What adjustments can you make in your schedule to have "fun" times with your friends, family or new acquaintances?
• What benefits to your relationships might come from adhering to a regular "fallow" time together?