When Your Baby Makes You Batty

It started out as a quiet and sweet conversation between my Babe and me. 

He shared, and I listened. Then I shared, and he listened. 

However, as we talked, it became obvious that he desired to do something one way, and I wanted to do it another. The conversation quickly turned as we sat across the table. Within minutes, my arms crossed, and his eyes looked away. 

Have you ever had a conversation with a loved one that turned so swiftly that you wondered what happened? Do you and another see things differently? Does your Baby, co-worker, or child ever make you batty? 

When facing conflict, we are presented with choices—good choices and poor choices. One choice we have is how to use our words in difficult situations.

So what can we do when we face conflict with the ones we love most?

Here's what I am learning. Hopefully, it will encourage you too.

Even when emotions are high, we have the power to control our words.

Even when emotions are high, we can control our words. What we choose in that moment is key. Our non-combative response to difficult situations makes the anger soften. Be honest but respectful. Be open but not forceful. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) reads, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 12:18 says, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Your words and your actions give another hurt or healing. Even your demeanor is key. Speak softly, speak with gentleness, and speak wisely. Through the Holy Spirit within you, you have the power to control your words and body language.

Remember you and your loved one are on the same team. 

In the heat of the battle, (this is easy to forget) remember you and your loved one are on the same team. If you hurt your spouse, you hurt the team. If he loses, you lose. When he wins, you win. The same is true in any relationship. An example might be that you and your co-worker must be on the same team for ultimate success in the office. Or perhaps you and your child need to be on the same page for unity in the family unit. Though each member is different, each person is necessary for maximum results. There is value in seeing life's problems from both sides. The task is to honor the differences and use the differences for the good of the team. 

Friend, you will be encouraged to know that Terry and I talked ourselves off the ledge quickly that day. In previous years, a similar conversation would have elevated for hours. However, this one lasted about 10 minutes. It was not perfect, but it was progress! My encouragement is to honor and love others with your words. The bottom line is that we have the power to choose our words. For there is power in what we say. Let's use this power for good.

Because this month Terry and I celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary, I give you a pic or two -:)

Blessings!

Pic from our Honeymoon June of 1984

Pic at Winshape Conference Center in 2024