#14. If you drink 2 beers and feel fine and another guy (the same weight and height as you) drinks 2 beers and can't even stand up; your blood alcohol level should be about the same for both people.... at least this is what I was told....
Ok, I have wondered this for a while. And was re-reminded because I was watching a boating version of COPS the other day. So while at work today a guy was talking about drinking this weekend and I had to ask the question. Yes, pretty pointless but I have always wondered...I don't know why I wanted to know (maybe because I don't like drinking, still don't really ever drink, and have never been drunk or taken a breathalizer) but I have always been curious how being "drunk" and blood alcohol level equate. Some people will be over the legal limit and you can't even tell. I wasn't sure if you "handle your alcohol better" than the next guy if that means your blood alcohol level will be lower than the other person. I thought maybe your kidneys worked harder to process the alcohol faster if you drank more (that is, of course, until your kidneys fail).
I am just a bit uneducated in the drinking area (which is ok with me for the most part). But I still don't understand how one guy can be "drunk" and another guy you wouldn't be able to really tell he drank and there blood alcohol level will be the same.... I need a better scientific explaination as to how or why your body gets "better" at handling alcohol. I guess it all doesn't really matter but I think I just want the knowledge because I am curious.
This blog is the exact opposite of yestedays..... lol
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Things I have learned Day #13
#13. The church in Acts is a hard church to try to mimic
The are just so different. Society is different, the culture is different BUT what they were doing was different as well... that is one of the reasons people were interested. There weren't too many people at the time selling all of there "stuff" (land, cattle, businesses) in order to put it into a pot for a whole community to live off of. Very socialist.... and of course if you are many Americans (many Christians) the word socialism is a very naughty word.
Now I understand that we live in a "very different society/culture" and that most of those concepts just wouldn't work today BUT what if they would? What if we could and should live more "socialistic"? It certainly in many cases would be more biblical than most of our Western lives. It would involve self sacrifice, unlimited giving, openness, patience and blind faith (in God and the people around us). Now all that being said most Christians (and people in general) have a hard time with self sacrifice, giving unlimited amounts (heck, people don't like to give away limited amounts... its all about savings for yourself later, baby!), true openness, patience with everyone and a blind faith in anything. Yet, over and over again we see Jesus talk about this and live this life style out as an example. Obviously, Jesus was constantly self sacrificial, always giving of himself, taught that people should want to give more, and he was always compassionately open, honest and patient (except with religious "folks") about who he was/is.
I just sometimes wonder if we as the church shouldn't look a little bit more radical. Radically different. I know we push community in church but I am talking about a true community... real togetherness.... more of a everyone knows everyone place. Now admittedly there is a side of me that thinks this whole idea is crazy and impractical. But still it is hard for me to read the Bible see the Acts church, see Jesus' ministry and still think what we do as a church currently is really the way church is supposed to be done.
The are just so different. Society is different, the culture is different BUT what they were doing was different as well... that is one of the reasons people were interested. There weren't too many people at the time selling all of there "stuff" (land, cattle, businesses) in order to put it into a pot for a whole community to live off of. Very socialist.... and of course if you are many Americans (many Christians) the word socialism is a very naughty word.
Now I understand that we live in a "very different society/culture" and that most of those concepts just wouldn't work today BUT what if they would? What if we could and should live more "socialistic"? It certainly in many cases would be more biblical than most of our Western lives. It would involve self sacrifice, unlimited giving, openness, patience and blind faith (in God and the people around us). Now all that being said most Christians (and people in general) have a hard time with self sacrifice, giving unlimited amounts (heck, people don't like to give away limited amounts... its all about savings for yourself later, baby!), true openness, patience with everyone and a blind faith in anything. Yet, over and over again we see Jesus talk about this and live this life style out as an example. Obviously, Jesus was constantly self sacrificial, always giving of himself, taught that people should want to give more, and he was always compassionately open, honest and patient (except with religious "folks") about who he was/is.
I just sometimes wonder if we as the church shouldn't look a little bit more radical. Radically different. I know we push community in church but I am talking about a true community... real togetherness.... more of a everyone knows everyone place. Now admittedly there is a side of me that thinks this whole idea is crazy and impractical. But still it is hard for me to read the Bible see the Acts church, see Jesus' ministry and still think what we do as a church currently is really the way church is supposed to be done.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Things I have learned Day #12
#12. I fail a lot as a parent
I think I kind of expected that I would fail (not do things right) as a parent on occasion but I just realize now how hard it is to really do everything right. I am not always the most patient person. I Can be "fiery" at times and that can in turn lead me to saying the wrong things, reacting out of anger, instead of being the one with the clear head in a tense situation. I need to remember to be the parent... not get into the fight with the kids.
This week I have just been selfish. Trying to use time for myself, and having a short fuse when the kids aren't doing what I want them to do. I just fail a lot and it frustrates me. I know what I need to be doing at home; cleaning, feeding the kids, reading to the kids, playing with the kids, changing the kids.... when there is a large part of me that just wants to do what I want. I just have a hard time breaking off the selfish part of me.
I think I kind of expected that I would fail (not do things right) as a parent on occasion but I just realize now how hard it is to really do everything right. I am not always the most patient person. I Can be "fiery" at times and that can in turn lead me to saying the wrong things, reacting out of anger, instead of being the one with the clear head in a tense situation. I need to remember to be the parent... not get into the fight with the kids.
This week I have just been selfish. Trying to use time for myself, and having a short fuse when the kids aren't doing what I want them to do. I just fail a lot and it frustrates me. I know what I need to be doing at home; cleaning, feeding the kids, reading to the kids, playing with the kids, changing the kids.... when there is a large part of me that just wants to do what I want. I just have a hard time breaking off the selfish part of me.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Things I have learned Day #11
#11. I need time with God to not be grumpy
I just realize more every time I don't spend time with God how much more grumpy I am. I am just less patient with everyone, more negative in my thinking/speech and just overall less happy... my outlook on life is different. In fact I need to go read a little right now. I have been kind of crabby to my kids all day... and they weren't even really any more naughty than normal today.
I just continue to learn how important time with God is... I know I have heard that for 25 years of my life but really... people need time with God... even if it is only a few minutes. Time with God is kind of like oiling an old wheel. Consistent oiling is the best but even just a tad bit of oil will keep the wheel moving (and not squeaking). Not oiling just leads to disaster in the long run (and in some cases the short run as well).
I just realize more every time I don't spend time with God how much more grumpy I am. I am just less patient with everyone, more negative in my thinking/speech and just overall less happy... my outlook on life is different. In fact I need to go read a little right now. I have been kind of crabby to my kids all day... and they weren't even really any more naughty than normal today.
I just continue to learn how important time with God is... I know I have heard that for 25 years of my life but really... people need time with God... even if it is only a few minutes. Time with God is kind of like oiling an old wheel. Consistent oiling is the best but even just a tad bit of oil will keep the wheel moving (and not squeaking). Not oiling just leads to disaster in the long run (and in some cases the short run as well).
Things I have learned Day #10.5
Ok here is what I never wrote yesterday.
#10. Sometimes you just need a break
For a long time I never fully understood why people "needed" a vacation. (Mostly because my jobs have always been so loosely scheduled). But this weekend was really nice. Waking up "late" @ 7:00am instead of 4:30am, working outside in the yard, just chilling, cooking out with friends... it was a good weekend. I needed it... I really would love to go on vacation sometime.... not working full time at any job never gives you options to get vacation (well I could but then I wouldn't be able to pay bills). So time off is nice!
#10. Sometimes you just need a break
For a long time I never fully understood why people "needed" a vacation. (Mostly because my jobs have always been so loosely scheduled). But this weekend was really nice. Waking up "late" @ 7:00am instead of 4:30am, working outside in the yard, just chilling, cooking out with friends... it was a good weekend. I needed it... I really would love to go on vacation sometime.... not working full time at any job never gives you options to get vacation (well I could but then I wouldn't be able to pay bills). So time off is nice!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Things I have learned Day #9-10
Since I forgot to write Friday, I have 2 for today
#9. Watch what you say
As most people know I love to talk. I talk about everything. It is how I process everything. But lately (this past week) I have just been reading and talking to Catie watching what we say. One morning last week before I went into work, I randomly opened my Bible and read a verse in Proverbs (I forgot the verse) that basically said the person that speaks will get into trouble while the person who is silent is wise. And that verse just made me think, "should I be quiet more than I am?". So I thought about that all week and randomly Catie and I had a conversation about the same thing. It has just made me think again about how much I say. The Bible speaks a lot about controlling your tongue. Maybe part of that is just learning to say less and listen more (which Proverbs also speaks on frequently as well)
#9. Watch what you say
As most people know I love to talk. I talk about everything. It is how I process everything. But lately (this past week) I have just been reading and talking to Catie watching what we say. One morning last week before I went into work, I randomly opened my Bible and read a verse in Proverbs (I forgot the verse) that basically said the person that speaks will get into trouble while the person who is silent is wise. And that verse just made me think, "should I be quiet more than I am?". So I thought about that all week and randomly Catie and I had a conversation about the same thing. It has just made me think again about how much I say. The Bible speaks a lot about controlling your tongue. Maybe part of that is just learning to say less and listen more (which Proverbs also speaks on frequently as well)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Things I have learned Day #8
#8. Just keep plugging along, God really is faithful. Even if sometimes it doesn't seem like it
So today was a pretty good day.
A person that really needed a new water heater that called into Catie's office last week (Catie works for the city of Holland Our Street Office that gives out different grants for houses in the city). Unfortunately, due to a tight budget the city was unable to help pay for the heater (as they first had thought) so the lady had to pay the $600 bill or have no hot water. So Catie posted the need on my friends sweet local non-profit site otherpeoplematter.org and someone volunteered to pay for a new water heater in full! Catie is so excited!
Then I got a call from Huntington Mortgage today (which usually isn't good because we have been behind on our mortgage) but this time it was good. We had filled out paper work 2-3 months ago about adjusting our mortgage payment to something more affordable and a guy called today and said we had been approved to get our mortgage payment lowered from $770 to $550!!!! Yeah, what a blessing! And I don't think we have to make our next payment until July 1st now! That is so great for us because we can afford that right now (even though we make very little)! So praise God for that!
So today was a pretty good day.
A person that really needed a new water heater that called into Catie's office last week (Catie works for the city of Holland Our Street Office that gives out different grants for houses in the city). Unfortunately, due to a tight budget the city was unable to help pay for the heater (as they first had thought) so the lady had to pay the $600 bill or have no hot water. So Catie posted the need on my friends sweet local non-profit site otherpeoplematter.org and someone volunteered to pay for a new water heater in full! Catie is so excited!
Then I got a call from Huntington Mortgage today (which usually isn't good because we have been behind on our mortgage) but this time it was good. We had filled out paper work 2-3 months ago about adjusting our mortgage payment to something more affordable and a guy called today and said we had been approved to get our mortgage payment lowered from $770 to $550!!!! Yeah, what a blessing! And I don't think we have to make our next payment until July 1st now! That is so great for us because we can afford that right now (even though we make very little)! So praise God for that!
Things I have learned Day #7 (oops)
#7. Just letting your wife know your listening really is what matters the most to her
So Catie was talking to me about a small problem she was having with someone and how she was really hurt by the what was said to her. I was listening but my problem was that I wasn't really saying much because I didn't really agree that she should be upset about anything at all. To me the comments made were not that big of a deal to make a "fuss" over (or at least that is how I saw it). So Catie got a bit frustrated with me and asked why I wasn't listening. I said I was listening but really didn't have anything to say. So she was irked and I was getting irked (because I really was listening and she was telling me I wasn't).
So I went upstairs for a minute and then came down and said, "Look I am sorry you feel hurt by those comments that person made to you. I personally don't agree with your reaction 100% but I still love you." I wanted to say more but I had nothing else to say... which was apparently ok because Catie told me "Ok, thank you that is all you needed to say".
So apparently, if you let your wife know you are listening even if you disagree. Things will work out better.
So Catie was talking to me about a small problem she was having with someone and how she was really hurt by the what was said to her. I was listening but my problem was that I wasn't really saying much because I didn't really agree that she should be upset about anything at all. To me the comments made were not that big of a deal to make a "fuss" over (or at least that is how I saw it). So Catie got a bit frustrated with me and asked why I wasn't listening. I said I was listening but really didn't have anything to say. So she was irked and I was getting irked (because I really was listening and she was telling me I wasn't).
So I went upstairs for a minute and then came down and said, "Look I am sorry you feel hurt by those comments that person made to you. I personally don't agree with your reaction 100% but I still love you." I wanted to say more but I had nothing else to say... which was apparently ok because Catie told me "Ok, thank you that is all you needed to say".
So apparently, if you let your wife know you are listening even if you disagree. Things will work out better.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Things I have learned Day #6
#6. I am willing to wait to do ministry until whenever something comes knocking on my door
I really believe more and more that I am called into some kind of ministry. Over the past few months I have learned a lot about myself (through tough times as well as through some studies Catie and I have done). I am convinced more than every that in a lot of ways I am designed to go into ministry..... that being said for a lot time I was convinced I needed to work my way into doing a ministry job (not tech ministry)... but now I am at the point where I am giving it all to God and saying "Hey, if it is supposed to happen something will come up, if not I am not going to be looking very hard".
One thing I have learned is that if I am in ministry it is going to have to be at a place that wants me and I fit with them well. Now the problem is I don't know what I want to do in ministry (except probably not tech stuff) so that doesn't leave me with a goal in mind, or anything really to "aim for" in the future. So I have decided that I while I really want to do ministry, Catie and I don't yet, feel called to leave Lakeshore, plus there is no where right now that I really want to go (I am not drawn to too many churches at this time... or the politics that tend to go on within them). So that being said I am learning it up to God. Something would have to come up and bite me, for me to really take a good look. All that being said it is all up to God, just like it has always been.
I really believe more and more that I am called into some kind of ministry. Over the past few months I have learned a lot about myself (through tough times as well as through some studies Catie and I have done). I am convinced more than every that in a lot of ways I am designed to go into ministry..... that being said for a lot time I was convinced I needed to work my way into doing a ministry job (not tech ministry)... but now I am at the point where I am giving it all to God and saying "Hey, if it is supposed to happen something will come up, if not I am not going to be looking very hard".
One thing I have learned is that if I am in ministry it is going to have to be at a place that wants me and I fit with them well. Now the problem is I don't know what I want to do in ministry (except probably not tech stuff) so that doesn't leave me with a goal in mind, or anything really to "aim for" in the future. So I have decided that I while I really want to do ministry, Catie and I don't yet, feel called to leave Lakeshore, plus there is no where right now that I really want to go (I am not drawn to too many churches at this time... or the politics that tend to go on within them). So that being said I am learning it up to God. Something would have to come up and bite me, for me to really take a good look. All that being said it is all up to God, just like it has always been.
30 days
Ok so I decided that I am going to write a "Things I learned" for 30 days not including weekends. I will write everyday at least one thing I learn (as I have been for the past 5 days). Weekends are up to me whether I want to write or not... they are no pressure bonus days if I do write. 4 of the 5 days a week I can write about whatever but 1 of the 5 I have to write about something I learned from studying the Bible that week.... this will be good for me and hold me accountable to really reading the Bible everyday, even if it is a little.
So here it goes. I think this will be a challenge but good.
So here it goes. I think this will be a challenge but good.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Things I have learned Day #5.5
#5.5 I like burning stuff with a magnifying glass
Yeah, so I still find it enjoyable to burn things with a magnifying glass. Noelen had one outside and I couldn't resist. Yep, that's right I can't help but love harnessing the power of the sun... I mean come on you can burn a small straight line in a leaf... that is sweet... plus I have always like fire... more than I should
Things burned include but are not limited to:
Ants
Random other bugs
Helicopter leaf/seed things
Pine cones
Leaves
Weeds
A Red Straw
Old Easter egg pieces
Side Note: Ants stink when they burn....
Yeah, so I still find it enjoyable to burn things with a magnifying glass. Noelen had one outside and I couldn't resist. Yep, that's right I can't help but love harnessing the power of the sun... I mean come on you can burn a small straight line in a leaf... that is sweet... plus I have always like fire... more than I should
Things burned include but are not limited to:
Ants
Random other bugs
Helicopter leaf/seed things
Pine cones
Leaves
Weeds
A Red Straw
Old Easter egg pieces
Side Note: Ants stink when they burn....
Things I have learned Day #5
#5. I often change how I act around other people.
This is ok sometimes and for some people it is ok all the time but I hate that I do it. I caught myself doing it today with a guy at work. Although I don't often swear, I will swear more often around this certain guy (who does it ALL the time) and with other people at work I will never swear. This is just one example I am sure of how I act different around different people. I just know I want to be consistent always. The same Josh across the board. I think in most ways I am but I want to be the same Josh in all ways around everyone.
Also I don't think swearing (even on occasion) is the best way to be a godly example to a guy who really needs to see who Jesus really is. Have been convicted around this guy the last couple of weeks... just really looking at who I am and what kind of witness I am being..... so far, not so good... or so I think.
I talk to this guy enough at work that I should be able to talk about personal stuff. He says he has a church he goes to but it is clear that Jesus isn't a big part of his day to day life (he spends a lot of time getting drunk and "living it up" so to speak. I just need a way to bring up a relationship with Jesus besides... "so do you go to church?" Christianity in West Michigan is always hard...
This is ok sometimes and for some people it is ok all the time but I hate that I do it. I caught myself doing it today with a guy at work. Although I don't often swear, I will swear more often around this certain guy (who does it ALL the time) and with other people at work I will never swear. This is just one example I am sure of how I act different around different people. I just know I want to be consistent always. The same Josh across the board. I think in most ways I am but I want to be the same Josh in all ways around everyone.
Also I don't think swearing (even on occasion) is the best way to be a godly example to a guy who really needs to see who Jesus really is. Have been convicted around this guy the last couple of weeks... just really looking at who I am and what kind of witness I am being..... so far, not so good... or so I think.
I talk to this guy enough at work that I should be able to talk about personal stuff. He says he has a church he goes to but it is clear that Jesus isn't a big part of his day to day life (he spends a lot of time getting drunk and "living it up" so to speak. I just need a way to bring up a relationship with Jesus besides... "so do you go to church?" Christianity in West Michigan is always hard...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Things I have learned Day #4
#4. I kind of like Smirnoff Ice Green Apple Bite
Ok I never drink because I think it is kind of pointless because it is expensive and most tastes like crap... or so I thought. We had a Green Apple Bite that someone left over in the fridge and I thought... what the heck lets give it a try.... and it actually tasted good. I only drank half the bottle but it tasted a lot like Green Apple Jone's Soda... that could be dangerous.... something that is easy to drink that doesn't have any taste of alcohol (i.e. crap) could get you into trouble. But not me. I guess I just learned that I like "girl drinks"..... hey, if it something tastes good why would you drink something that you have to "aquire" a taste for?
Ok I never drink because I think it is kind of pointless because it is expensive and most tastes like crap... or so I thought. We had a Green Apple Bite that someone left over in the fridge and I thought... what the heck lets give it a try.... and it actually tasted good. I only drank half the bottle but it tasted a lot like Green Apple Jone's Soda... that could be dangerous.... something that is easy to drink that doesn't have any taste of alcohol (i.e. crap) could get you into trouble. But not me. I guess I just learned that I like "girl drinks"..... hey, if it something tastes good why would you drink something that you have to "aquire" a taste for?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Things I have learned Day #3
#3a. Even though I am in media I often hate computers and technology.
Sometimes, when I have a computer and it doesn't do what I want it to do and keeps crashing. I hate technology....yet.... seriously, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the internet.
#3b. I need to be around positive people, who think positively.
There is a guy at work who is really nice but really likes to rail on people. Honestly, I don't like to rail on people but people are funny creatures so I can sometimes get carried away (just laughing about stuff people do.... like this guy who looks and acts like Steve Carell's characters) If I am by him sometimes it is tempting to go to far. And it is a challenge to witness if you are doing the same stuff everyone else is.
Sometimes, when I have a computer and it doesn't do what I want it to do and keeps crashing. I hate technology....yet.... seriously, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have the internet.
#3b. I need to be around positive people, who think positively.
There is a guy at work who is really nice but really likes to rail on people. Honestly, I don't like to rail on people but people are funny creatures so I can sometimes get carried away (just laughing about stuff people do.... like this guy who looks and acts like Steve Carell's characters) If I am by him sometimes it is tempting to go to far. And it is a challenge to witness if you are doing the same stuff everyone else is.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Things I have learned Day #2
#2. Sleeping less than 7 hours a night for me does not work.
I never thought it would be a good idea to sleep only 5-6 hrs the last few nights, but man, I have been sooooooo tired in the morning when I get up @ 4:20am after going to bed @ 10:30 or 11:00. I fell asleep today on the coach for 2 hours or so... it was nice but I am still tired!
Note to self: Sleep more than I have been and the morning will feel better
I never thought it would be a good idea to sleep only 5-6 hrs the last few nights, but man, I have been sooooooo tired in the morning when I get up @ 4:20am after going to bed @ 10:30 or 11:00. I fell asleep today on the coach for 2 hours or so... it was nice but I am still tired!
Note to self: Sleep more than I have been and the morning will feel better
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Food for thought
So I was giving Noelen a "talking to" about getting into food (for like the 100th time) that he is not supposed to have.... this time is was candy hidden on top of the fridge... of which he ate it all...
I asked him why he got the candy and he first said, "With a chair". I said, "No, why did you get the candy?" He then paused for a moment and responded "Cause it makes me happy." I then asked, "Do I think that was a great idea?" "No" Noelen said, "I think it was a great idea!"
Isn't that a profound glimpse into the human psyche.
I asked him why he got the candy and he first said, "With a chair". I said, "No, why did you get the candy?" He then paused for a moment and responded "Cause it makes me happy." I then asked, "Do I think that was a great idea?" "No" Noelen said, "I think it was a great idea!"
Isn't that a profound glimpse into the human psyche.
What I want to know about God
Another thing I have been thinking about is really looking into scripture to see what/who God is and what He thinks in many situations. I think this will get me into the Bible more and help me to know God more intimately.
Here is what I want to know more about... things I need to find out on my own in detail
Here is what I want to know more about... things I need to find out on my own in detail
- What is the Holy Spirit and where do we see it throughout the Bible?
- Look deeper into Homosexuality in the Bible. I did it for a paper before (in college) but my research was kind of weak
- What does God say about giving?
- What is the Church supposed to look like?
- How do we live out a Christ like life today? How did Jesus witness without awkwardness? How can to I manage life and still really have a life that is sold out to God?
- What were the absolute true characteristics of Jesus? I'm still not convinced he was always as "pleasant" as everyone thinks. He was more honest about life than many Christians today YET he was flawless and still loved people unconditionally... angry/brash or not
Things I have learned Day #1
So, it has been a while again. I wrote last week but never posted it... I don't think I will.
But anyways, I had an idea while at work today and decided I was going to try and write something I learned each day. I think it should be fun.
I always learn more than one thing a day so this could get hard.
So here is the first one I have been learning this for a while.
#1. Before you make a remark or "speak into" someones life make sure you know them and their situation intimately well.
If you don't know someone and their situation intimately, do not judge, or in fact, make any comment about there situation at all... unless it is encouraging. Unless you've been to the exact place someone is in or are walking step by step with them, do not open your mouth or even make a judgment in your mind (it is hard not to do but beneficial to you actually getting to know the person).
I have learned about this in a serious way since being "poor". You would be surprised the insensitive comments/attitudes/looks people give you (friends, family, and random people in stores). Although the comments/ect aren't usually outright verbal slams, people seem more than will to make judgment calls before they know you. Like people behind you in line when you use a WIC card at the store, or when your family members make small comments here and there about you "not managing your money"... (yes, because managing my $28,000 a year better will some how magically give me enough money to pay all of my bills, old medical bills and school loans... on $8 an hour (how do you manage money you don't have?).
I just dealt with a situation yesterday and it reminded me that I will try to never again make a judgment call about a person before I really know them AND their situation (some people think just knowing the person gives you some right to "speak into their life".
So that is what I learned today. Hopefully tomorrow will be something like "how to fix an electrical outlet" or something less stressful :)
But anyways, I had an idea while at work today and decided I was going to try and write something I learned each day. I think it should be fun.
I always learn more than one thing a day so this could get hard.
So here is the first one I have been learning this for a while.
#1. Before you make a remark or "speak into" someones life make sure you know them and their situation intimately well.
If you don't know someone and their situation intimately, do not judge, or in fact, make any comment about there situation at all... unless it is encouraging. Unless you've been to the exact place someone is in or are walking step by step with them, do not open your mouth or even make a judgment in your mind (it is hard not to do but beneficial to you actually getting to know the person).
I have learned about this in a serious way since being "poor". You would be surprised the insensitive comments/attitudes/looks people give you (friends, family, and random people in stores). Although the comments/ect aren't usually outright verbal slams, people seem more than will to make judgment calls before they know you. Like people behind you in line when you use a WIC card at the store, or when your family members make small comments here and there about you "not managing your money"... (yes, because managing my $28,000 a year better will some how magically give me enough money to pay all of my bills, old medical bills and school loans... on $8 an hour (how do you manage money you don't have?).
I just dealt with a situation yesterday and it reminded me that I will try to never again make a judgment call about a person before I really know them AND their situation (some people think just knowing the person gives you some right to "speak into their life".
So that is what I learned today. Hopefully tomorrow will be something like "how to fix an electrical outlet" or something less stressful :)
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