If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
~ Romans 12:18
The Art of Compromise
I have been spending a lot of time with my sister who is in the hospital because of complications with her cancer and chemo treatments. We have probably been together more in the last few days than we have since we still lived at home. When Debbie is awake and alert we have talked about a lot of things that once were. I remember when we were young, we always promised to take care of each other when we got old. In those days these days are what we thought of as old age I suppose, even though I don't feel old, and may never.
Debbie and I have talked a lot about our mother. Mother had a lot of ways that seemed funny to us, but now as we look back, those funny ways don't seem so strange anymore. Age comes and we get set in our ways and don't
even realize it.
My sister is used to doing most of her sleeping in the daytime, whereas I cannot sleep at all after the sun comes up. Last night we had to compromise and try to get a little sleep somewhere in the middle of it all. About midnight I taped towels over the window in the door that let all the bright light in and covered the IV monitor with a pillowcase.
About 2 AM Debbie turned off the TV and we both slept till almost daylight. Like I said... compromise.
As they grow older sisters and brothers usually drift apart as they become busy with families of their own. Often forgotten is the art of compromise that siblings seem to master so well. Thinking back on your childhood how many times did you give in to your siblings. How many times did they give into you? And that relationship is probably one that you cherish most. Like I say...compromise.
Today take a look at your life and ask yourself is there any area that you are so set in your ways that you could give just an inch or two to make someone's life a little easier. We all grow older and look back at the past. Things cannot be redone. Make the most of every minute you have with those you love. God gave us each other. He gave us friends and family to make our lives easier, not more complicated. Remember God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. And remember He asks that we try to live peaceably with all. Learn the art of compromise in the little things and you will find the big things are much easier to deal with.
jbp