I'm reading through Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans. Excellent book, and it hits home on several levels. One of which is realizing that as a man I set the temperature of my home (metaphorically speaking....Mandy is in charge of the actual thermostat). Dr. Evans says, "You can't expect a summer wife if all you bring home is winter weather." Basically, take responsibility for your part in making a home a good home.
In light of that, I've come to realize that I don't take criticism very well, even if it's constructive. I crave approval, constantly looking for what more I can do to get it from anyone and everyone. And if that approval isn't given completely, I get irritated. I don't want to be told how I could improve; I want to be told that I'm already good. But I want you to mean it when you say it, not just give me lip service.
I realize that I can't have it both ways. People either are honest with me and tell me where I screw up, or they tell me what tickles my ears. And if I really want to be a better version of myself, then I need to see criticism as a challenge to improve rather than a sting against my pride.
So, instead of telling Simon Cowell he can suck it, maybe I just need to accept that I might not be X Factor material. (Again, metaphorically speaking....I didn't actually try out for the X Factor.)
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." --Proverbs 27:6
Keep Soaring,
B
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