What bothers you?
What bothers you more: Things that you disagree with or things that may change you? I suppose that being forty means that I’m set in my ways and have formed strong opinions about many things. I have a core that will not easily be shaken.
Sitting in church today, I learned about a series of upcoming sermons that will be focused on the parables of Jesus. Though familiar, there will be some perspectives shared that will be uncomfortable for me and others. To Pastor Dave I say, “Bring it on.” I don’t expect the essence of the gospel (part of my core) to be challenged, but I should be open to the idea that what I understood the meaning of a parable to be for thirty years, might be a bit more confusing ,challenging or paradoxical.
Tomorrow I’ll read the news. I’ll see and hear many ideas and opinions that are different from my own. In most cases, I can articulate why I disagree, but I will certainly listen to the opinion of others, first to understand, second to decide whether or not it matters to have a strong opinion, and third to form/adjust/share my opinion.
The next time you’re bothered, figure out why it matters so much to you. Then do something about it.