Every single day there is a power struggle. Think about it. The moment I get behind the wheel of my car, I feel I’m right and all the other drivers on the roads are wrong. Thing is, they all feel they are right and all the other drivers on the roads (including me) are wrong. The great driving power struggle.
It’s also visible in relationships. I’m right. They are wrong. Regardless of the relationship, whether it is husband & wife, parent & child, siblings, two friends, employer & employee, government & civilian.
The “I’m right, you’re wrong” power struggle is a constant threat to our lives.
And threat it is.
Because the pride that is involved in the power struggle can be destructive, damaging relationships, leading to anger, resentment and bitterness.
This morning as I read from Proverbs, I read these timeless words,
Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Such sound advice.
One of the things of going to Swellendam is the slow pace of life. It dawdles along with no rush, no racing, no fist shaking – there’s less of a power struggle there. Or so it seems. I am sure behind the scenes there is something going on, but to the visitor it is calm and peaceful.
Us crazy city-dwellers can take a page out of their book. Maybe it’s time to let others go first. Stop trying to push in, get there first, catch the robot, grab the parking spot. Our hectic lives are not worth the stress. I think what contributes to it is constant noise. Swellendam was so quiet. The only sound is from far away – a tree is being cut down – cars on the N2. There’s not the rush rush rush of busy city life with sirens, alarms, endless traffic noise and the hustle and bustle of the neighbourhood. These things only dawn on one when you have a comparison and this last weekend I had it.
It’s absolutely time to slow down, block it all out, reduce the pride and embrace a slower pace of life. Let others go first.
They can dash – I’ll saunter.
I wonder if I will get this right!
#265 of my 1000 thanks is that while I am working today is I am grateful for a slower day. Perhaps this is the start of intentionally giving up the power struggle.
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God Bless you!
In His Grip,