In today's fast-paced world there seems to be a greater tendency for people to act aggressively toward each other. Some are quick to take offense and respond angrily to real or imagined affronts, and we've all experienced or heard reports of road rage or other examples of rude, insensitive behavior.
Unfortunately, some of this spills over into our homes, creating friction and tension among family members.
It may seem natural to react to a situation by giving back what is given to us. But it doesn't have to be that way. Reflecting on his horrendous wartime experiences, Viktor Frankl recalled:
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way' (Man's Search for Meaning [1985], 86)."
Elder Wayne S. Peterson, "Our Actions Determine Our Character," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 83
Unfortunately, some of this spills over into our homes, creating friction and tension among family members.
It may seem natural to react to a situation by giving back what is given to us. But it doesn't have to be that way. Reflecting on his horrendous wartime experiences, Viktor Frankl recalled:
"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms--to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way' (Man's Search for Meaning [1985], 86)."
Elder Wayne S. Peterson, "Our Actions Determine Our Character," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 83
4 comments:
oh man.. that is great (and I've experienced it big time lately). Just letting go and forgetting about "justice" (which is my hangup) is hard but invaluable.
on a sidenote: I'm not sure if I've ever had so much respect for a group of people than the Jewish (nationality). I actually sat in bed the other night (well, in the middle of the night when I couldn't fall back asleep) trying to think of a Jewish name for baby boy #2's middle name. let me know if you come up with any good ideas. :)
the most important message here: "our actions determine our character." that's a mantra I'm happy to live by!
so good. and i love viktor frankl's book.
I was going to tell you that you are too aggressive with me I am glad you read that instead... Just kidding. It is interesting though how we all can become almost callused to certain things in life. without really meaning to or knowing it. Good post!
Beautiful quote. Love it.
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