Fried quay teow for breakfast - “Life is like a grapefruit. Well, it's sort of orangy-yellow and dimpled on the outside, wet and squidgy in the middle. It's got pips inside, too. Oh, and some people have a half a one for breakfast.”A certain amount of conflict is a part of life. But conflict and violence are quite different.
One man tells about living next door to a bully. Last month the neighbor came up to him with hand extended. As he reached to shake hands, his neighbor grabbed him forcefully and threw him over his shoulder. "That's Judo," he said. "Picked it up in Japan."
The man went into his garage, came back out and cracked the bully over the head. "That's crowbar," he said. "Picked it up at Sears."
Some conflict is necessary, and many of us will wisely learn how to make conflicts with others both constructive and healthy. We will do well not to avoid daily conflict, but to resolve it quickly. And, of course, that doesn't mean to grab the crowbar, either.
Actually, I understand that the Chinese have a good idea, illustrated by a true story.
Two natives of Hong Kong were arguing loudly in the street. An American, who observed the altercation but could not speak the language, asked an Asian friend what they were arguing about. "They are having a discussion about the ownership of a boat," came the reply.
"They're getting so wrought up, won't they start fighting soon?" the tourist asked.
"No," his friend said. "These men will not start fighting because each one knows the man who strikes the first blow admits his ideas just gave out."
It's true. Those individuals and societies who are quick to violence admit their ideas just gave out. As well as their love. For I must admit, if I strike the first blow, my love has given out. But when I approach that conflict with a head full of ideas and a heart full of love, I am astounded at how quickly things get settled!
From Lifesupport.
Lifesigns Life Quotes
No comments:
Post a Comment