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| Stanley Admonishing Me at Quaker Lake |
When was the
last time someone “read you the riot act”?
What had you done wrong? How did
it feel to be soundly rebuked? Serendipity
Bible 10th Anniversary Edition, p.1720.
For the answer to this question I like to picture
the typical reaction of several dogs to being rebuked. One dog will typically put his tail between
his legs. Another will lash out in
anger. While a third, like my dog
Stanley, forgives me for my anger and goes on happily about his business. My earnest desire is to follow the example of
Stanley.
When rebuked the first response on my part should
be one of forgiveness. This is essential
for (whether in the right or wrong) I will reflexively want to assume the
stance of righteous indignation. This is
a bad response for if I am really in the wrong this shields me from beneficial
correction; and if I am in the right a “holier than thou” attitude will totally
confound my ability to be in anyway persuasive.
I love Stanley most of all for his ability to carry on happily while
under attack. Somehow this gives me
great confidence in knowing that his self-image is sturdy and is not dependent
upon being constantly reinforced by my unrelieved approval. His maintenance of cheerfulness even while attacked (again, no matter how justified or unjustified) profoundly
reassures me of his inner strength while giving me permission to honestly
express myself not fearful that he will crushed on the one hand, or unduly
influenced on the other. This, and on
many other points, Stanley outshines me in moral fiber and inherent integrity.
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