What I Am; What I Am Not
What I am. Is choleric.
What I am not. Is compassionate.
Though obviously moving statements, Tassie revealed to me how much of a choleric, I am - thanks to my melancholic/choleric and phlegmatic/choleric friends.
As a sanguine/choleric, sanguine first by nature; I've come to realise my secondary nature, my choleric side, is rather strong. At least, stronger than I initially thought.
Why this is insightful is that it explains to me why people often receive me the way that they do. Adjectives naturally vary here, upon the person.
Generally speaking, because of my choleric nature, I have a tendency to place tasks before people. My relating language is therefore, action orientated characterised with short, sharp, and direct statements. And if my listener is anything but choleric I can come across as rather confronting, maybe overbearing, but definitely strong.
Which brings me to what I am not.
Compassionate.
Not that I am not, but it is the realisation, and therefore the new found desire, of the need to be more. To be mindful of my words, and their implications on the receiver before I speak. Something I admire in friends whose melancholic or phlegmatic nature is stronger than mine.
My recent meditation about the nature of 'compassion' reminded me of a book. One I've always noticed, but have yet to pick up or consider.
All the above aside, compassion is a rare and lovely quality. One only needs to read John 4:1-26 to see its far reaching beauty. It is a virtue I honor.
What I am not. Is compassionate.
Though obviously moving statements, Tassie revealed to me how much of a choleric, I am - thanks to my melancholic/choleric and phlegmatic/choleric friends.
As a sanguine/choleric, sanguine first by nature; I've come to realise my secondary nature, my choleric side, is rather strong. At least, stronger than I initially thought.
Why this is insightful is that it explains to me why people often receive me the way that they do. Adjectives naturally vary here, upon the person.
Generally speaking, because of my choleric nature, I have a tendency to place tasks before people. My relating language is therefore, action orientated characterised with short, sharp, and direct statements. And if my listener is anything but choleric I can come across as rather confronting, maybe overbearing, but definitely strong.
Which brings me to what I am not.
Compassionate.
Not that I am not, but it is the realisation, and therefore the new found desire, of the need to be more. To be mindful of my words, and their implications on the receiver before I speak. Something I admire in friends whose melancholic or phlegmatic nature is stronger than mine.
My recent meditation about the nature of 'compassion' reminded me of a book. One I've always noticed, but have yet to pick up or consider.
All the above aside, compassion is a rare and lovely quality. One only needs to read John 4:1-26 to see its far reaching beauty. It is a virtue I honor.
2 comments:
Oh Al - you're much more compassionate that you realise. Compassion is not based on personality. Let compassion overflow in your heart and you will see and understand God in another, yet wonderfully amazing way. His Grace, His Love - be ever more aware.
:)
thanks janey! you're such a joy from the Lord :)
the post was an oversimplifcation of my intended meaning, and i take responsiblity and apologise for any misunderstandings (as there's been a few!)
thank you for your love and encouragements always!
i love you dearly :)
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