Bending

[bluidkiti]

Bending

Trees have the ability to sway in the wind, to bend with the power of a storm. If they were unable to bend, their chances of survival in the midst of gales and storms would be far less. It is the same with us.

We need to bend in order for ourselves and others to survive peacefully. Bending in this sense would have nothing to do with compromising about basic principles. Instead, it would be open to compromise in those areas where inviolable values would not be violated and where no harm would be done to others. Bending would include the willingness to look at other points of view, to avoid the storms of stubbornness that keep people from accommodating themselves to others.

Bending in this sense is akin to love. It looks to the good of others rather than to one's own. An appropriate willingness to bend creates part of the charm of a loving family and community life, and it is one of the ingredients in the cement that holds friendships together.

Lord, grant me an understanding heart and suppleness of mind and spirit, so that I might relate more caringly to others.

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