Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Your Response

"Your response is your responsibility." That's not my quote, but it's one I remember hearing at a Bible study last week, a remark that was stated by a competent family/marriage counselor. In fact, as I watched this previously taped seminar on a DVD, the quote appeared this way on the screen:

Your R-E-S-P-O-N-S-E is your R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y.

There it was, staring me squarely in my face. What a wake-up call. *Blink.*

We cannot change our circumstances, but we are responsible for how we react, and how we respond to each circumstance. Sounds so simple, I know, but the quote made me stop and think, and it caused me to really ponder about my own responses to various situations. When tested, do I react with patience? Am I level-headed when pressed for time? Am I slow to anger, and quick to listen to others' points of view? Do I exude an appropriate amount of confidence yet portray humility when the opportunity arises?

No. Too many times, I'd have to answer "no" to those questions listed above. I have such a long way to go, but that quote was a good reminder to me. I repeated it to my girls, and to my husband. My thirteen year old daughter listened, but kinda rolled her eyes. She's heard me preach that type of sentiment in the past. I hope that she absorbed it, even though it appeared to roll right off her face and onto the floor ... with a nearly audible thud.

Your response is your responsibility. I plan to own that sentiment and practice it - and keep reminding myself of my "responsibility" - for as long as I possibly can! How about you?

5 comments:

Kelly said...

I had a computer glitch when I tried to post this the first time. If it's a repeat, just delete this one, please.

I should post this statement on my bathroom mirror where I'll see it every morning.

Such a simple statement, yet not so simple to always follow. I will try to make a more conscious effort.

Kim said...

Thank you Karen for this excellent reminder. I will think of it often today.....how will I respond?

Debby said...

FYI - your daughter might appear to not be listening, however, these things do sink in.

ce_squared said...

Great reminder, Karen! It reminds me of a favorite quote:

"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism; the way you play it is free will" (Jawaharlal Nehru)

Renee said...

I'm glad I popped over to your blog today. Very timely thought and phrase! I will be posting it next to my work computer . . . we always need the positive reminders.


~Renee