Mea Culpa

There's a lot to be said for sticking with your own kind, the people you know and with whom you share commonalities. For me that would be my family, New Yorkers, maybe, the politically conservative (dare I say Republicans), and certainly Christians. Less chance of being misunderstood and criticized, I suppose.

It's been my experience that mixing with people of different opinions, beliefs and proclivities often results in uncomfortable situations and the aforementioned misunderstandings and criticism. Because I am naturally gregarious and outgoing, it's particularly easy for me to get in trouble, and last week was a beaut!



By the way, Merriam-Webster online defines gregarious as "tending to associate with others of one's kind," but also "social." So, I'm covered either way.To start with, I committed an egregious act. I made a mistake. And although I recognized it as such and apologized (after being called aside for a quiet little reaming), I am still on the other person's sh--, er, naughty list. It's a always a risk apologizing. While most people are gracious, some use the opportunity to point out just what a jerk you are for what you did and how you'd better make darn sure it doesn't happen again. And why not bring it up at a Christmas party, too? Sheesh. Thanks a lot. Like I don't feel badly enough already.

A few days after said party, (again being called aside by two more women) I came under criticism regarding one person's perception of something I said, and by another for something I did (actually didn't do). And by the way, what I did do, I didn't do right either. Not a good week for me.

It often seems that people are just looking for a chance to criticize. I know that volunteering for a position puts a bull's eye on your back, but I wonder why the people you're serving can't say thank you once in a while, too. Some do. Most don't. Hence the "thankless job."

Despite the hurt in my heart, I decided to attend a progressive dinner with the ladies of my church. I endeavored to keep a low profile, stay out of trouble, and had a pretty good time. Come Sunday morning, one of the ladies from the dinner called me aside to speak to me. Oh, no. Here we go again. I almost said, "What have I done now?"

That dear lady thanked me for complimenting her the previous evening on her lovely outfit.. She had been feeling sad over the recent loss of a loved one and was about to go home. She said my words made such a difference, that she decided to stay at the party. Now, I had no knowledge of her loss, but went out of my way to compliment her because she looked gorgeous. I envy people who can put themselves together that well. I pretty much go for, clean, neat and comfortable in my look, so I appreciate elegant.

I was so grateful that she'd taken the time to thank me. By golly, I'd done something right!

Funny how things happen. And it reminds me that a good word spoken at the right time can be a blessing. If I can remember that, always be gracious in giving and receiving apologies, refrain from being critical and unforgiving, I'm on the right track. I can't change the people around me, but I can show them the love of God. And, by the way, Jesus was misunderstood, misquoted and citicized, too. I'm in good company.

Merry Christmas, my friends.