“Here’s what I think.” As I grow up I am beginning to develop the ability to self-critique. Sort of. And I’ve been around long enough to have had many people give their own critiques about me. So, there’s this gradual process of “seeing the light”, acknowledging the truth about who I am, the way I interact with others and how I perceive the world around me. I’ve had rebuke and correction from faithful friends (my wife is one of those faithful friends) and withering assaults from unfriendlies. It’s interesting to notice that both groups can be right though they speak from different motivation.
I am opinionated. That can be a problem. Having an opinion is not a problem. Often my opinions come from an educated point of view. Opinions that I have about music or maybe landscape design are backed up with a good bit of knowledge. The problem is fighting the urge to express those opinions. It’s sort of like the maxim, “don’t give advice unless someone asks for it”. I think that one is in George Washington’s collection of rules for personal living. Not everyone needs to know what I think and most often, if they did know what I thought, it wouldn’t be helpful information. I guess it really boils down to a pride thing.
There’s a compulsion in an insecure heart to try to build value and self-worth by voicing opinions, trying to persuade others to agree. It’s painful to witness. It stings to become aware of it in myself. I’m so thankful for a river of Grace that flows around me.
I will bite my tongue. I will listen attentively to my friends without giving in to this automatic reaction that drives me to say what I know or think. Humility and gentleness are the qualities that will help me control my speech.
Let me give you some advice. Lol. Make an effort to keep opinions to yourself until someone asks. Life will be more joyful. Friends will be more open. That’s my humble opinion.