November 14th, 2023
Tuesday, November 14th
Unlearn Some Learned Behavior
By: Chris Wood
The Year was 2008, it was Meredith and I’s first Christmas as a married couple.
We were both very excited as the time-honored tradition of the Christmas stocking was upon us. Both Meredith and I had many fond memories of getting stockings growing up, being that this was our first Christmas, I had to make sure I hit a home run. I planned the stocking out for about a month. I knew how much room I had with the stocking and what special treasures I could fit inside. With excitement and anticipation in the air, Meredith opened her stocking, she was one part confused and “thankful”, I knew I had failed miserably. I had put little gadgets, candy and toys in the stocking. Meredith began to ask, where is the soap, toothbrush and toothpaste? Meredith looked a little sad, I knew I was done for when she wanted to know why there was no shampoo.
That first Christmas I had to unlearn some learned behaviors; I thought I was doing something that would bless my new bride. Yet I did not stop to think and ask what would bless her? I thought I had it figured out, in many ways my prior life experience told me I did have it figured out. I failed to realize, just because I knew something from prior experience did not mean I could not grow.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Proverbs 27:6
This reminds us that wounds from a friend can be trusted. When we have friends or loved ones share an area that can be improved upon. May we have humility and understanding to know, our loved ones truly have our best interest at heart.
Take the next few moments to pause and pray about a friend or family member who you can invite out to coffee. Let them know, you give them permission to speak into your life in any area they think needs improvement. Remember they love you, their wounds are precious.
PS. After 15 years, I now know what facial scrub Meredith likes in her stocking. I unlearned some learned behaviors.
Unlearn Some Learned Behavior
By: Chris Wood
The Year was 2008, it was Meredith and I’s first Christmas as a married couple.
We were both very excited as the time-honored tradition of the Christmas stocking was upon us. Both Meredith and I had many fond memories of getting stockings growing up, being that this was our first Christmas, I had to make sure I hit a home run. I planned the stocking out for about a month. I knew how much room I had with the stocking and what special treasures I could fit inside. With excitement and anticipation in the air, Meredith opened her stocking, she was one part confused and “thankful”, I knew I had failed miserably. I had put little gadgets, candy and toys in the stocking. Meredith began to ask, where is the soap, toothbrush and toothpaste? Meredith looked a little sad, I knew I was done for when she wanted to know why there was no shampoo.
That first Christmas I had to unlearn some learned behaviors; I thought I was doing something that would bless my new bride. Yet I did not stop to think and ask what would bless her? I thought I had it figured out, in many ways my prior life experience told me I did have it figured out. I failed to realize, just because I knew something from prior experience did not mean I could not grow.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Proverbs 27:6
This reminds us that wounds from a friend can be trusted. When we have friends or loved ones share an area that can be improved upon. May we have humility and understanding to know, our loved ones truly have our best interest at heart.
Take the next few moments to pause and pray about a friend or family member who you can invite out to coffee. Let them know, you give them permission to speak into your life in any area they think needs improvement. Remember they love you, their wounds are precious.
PS. After 15 years, I now know what facial scrub Meredith likes in her stocking. I unlearned some learned behaviors.
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