Perception 08/09/2011
 
One day while in church I looked over at my daughter who was feverishly plucking at the keys on her phone. I thought to myself that she had gone stark raving mad! Was she really texting in church? I had to calm myself because if I didn’t, I knew that I would cause a scene and disrupt the service. I patiently gave her an evil eye, told her to give me the phone, and let her know that I would deal with her later! How dare she be disrespectful in God’s house! I was furious and knew the exact words that would be coming out ...
of my mouth later would require repentance on my part.  She shrugged as she gave me the phone. I wanted to know whom she was texting so I looked down at the screen before disconnecting the phone. To my surprise, she wasn’t texting anyone. She was reading the Bible verses online that the minister was referencing. With conviction and utter embarrassment, I handed her the phone and apologized.

Things aren’t always as they seem….

I wonder how often we jump to conclusions based on what our eyes perceive. I was certain that I had caught Danae’ red-handed. I didn’t give her a chance to offer an explanation. I planned her punishment and had already chosen the verbal thrashing that she would receive following the benediction. I allowed what I thought I knew to take me out of the service and place me in attack mode. Thankfully we were in church and I was unable to take action because if we weren’t, I would have reprimanded her before realizing that I had misjudged the situation.

Today’s reminder is that we need to act on facts and not perception. We must assess the situation, ask questions, and gather understanding before deciding how to proceed. When we fail to do so, we must realize that we run the risk of destroying an otherwise beautiful moment, friendship, or relationship!

Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

 


Comments

Patty Drew

08/10/2011 12:42:37

I needed to read this, thank you for your honesty!

 

Marnie

08/10/2011 13:15:44

Great reminder. Thanks

 

dennis m jackson

08/10/2011 13:36:15

Danette,

I am finding my foot in my mouth so often. I was not always that way but your story is a constant reminder that it doesn't take long to ruin a long lasting friendship or relationship because of perception. You will find it really was not worth it. Thank you for revelation knowledge. DJ

 

Keisha Blackstone

08/10/2011 15:28:41

Very much a message for me.
Thank you!

 

Linda

08/10/2011 16:27:33

So true.

 



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