EVERYBODY’S A WORK IN PROGRESS The one trouble with acknowledging that “Nobody’s perfect” is that it can be an excuse for not improving or apologizing. I may take up two parking spaces; I may cut ahead in the checkout line; I may spill coffee on my supervisor’s expensive white blouse: but hey, no one should be so unreasonable as to expect me to get everything right every time, right? Then … [Read more...] about EVERYBODY’S A WORK IN PROGRESS
AMBITIOUS? CONTENT? OR … BOTH?
AMBITIOUS? CONTENT? OR … BOTH? “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11–12, New International Version of the Bible). Those words were written nearly … [Read more...] about AMBITIOUS? CONTENT? OR … BOTH?
THE FINE ART OF APOLOGIZING
THE FINE ART OF APOLOGIZING Can you say, “I’m sorry: will you forgive me?” without excuses or self-justification? If so, you’re above average. Human pride hates to admit itself capable of real incompetence, selfishness, or thoughtlessness: it feels so much better to cast a little blame, even when that borders on the ludicrous. Take these candidates collected by Reader’s Digest for Lamest Excuse … [Read more...] about THE FINE ART OF APOLOGIZING
TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO APOLOGIZE
TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO APOLOGIZE You’ve seen it in a hundred comic strips and sitcoms: Dad marches his child to the neighbor with the broken window and announces, “Johnny wants to apologize,” when Johnny obviously doesn’t. Then Dad glares at Johnny with that “You’d better apologize” look until Johnny mumbles, “Sorry,” and the subject is closed. Only it isn’t, as far as Johnny is concerned. … [Read more...] about TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO APOLOGIZE
WHEN YOU HAVE A REBEL ON YOUR HANDS
WHEN YOU HAVE A REBEL ON YOUR HANDS While most kids respond well to kind-but-firm rules, occasionally you’ll meet a youngster who seems determined to treat rules and authority figures as enemies to be attacked. In extreme cases, professional therapy may be required. Often, however, a rebellious attitude can be defused with discernment, persistence, and tough love. Discernment: What’s the … [Read more...] about WHEN YOU HAVE A REBEL ON YOUR HANDS