Vices are Virtues are Vices

The following thoughts are not completely my own. They stemmed from a chapter in Rachel Jankovic's book, Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches (don't you just love that title? : ) ) I encourage you to read more of Rachel's thoughts here and to consider purchasing the book here.

Practically every personality trait can manifest itself in both positive and negative ways. Here are a few examples from my own little family.

Ross often loses track of time and is tardy to almost every engagement.

I, on the other hand, always know what time it is and strive to be early to every appointment.

When stated that way, (other than sounding terribly prideful) it highlights a positive aspect of my personality and a negative of Ross'. While it can be very easy to think in these terms, it can be more helpful for our marriage if I think of it this way:

Ross' agenda is not constrained to a clock. He enjoys each moment of life and moves on to the next activity when it seems appropriate to do so.

I, on the other hand, am a slave to time and often don't enjoy the moment because I'm too busy preparing myself for the next thing on the agenda.

See how, basically, it's the same trait being demonstrated- just manifesting itself differently? I may get angry when Ross is late getting home from work one day (even though he was spending the time building relationship with a non-Christian co-worker) but I probably don't mind it too much if he leaves late for work one morning because he and I had a meaningful conversation.

The same principle works with your kids.

Caleb sometimes laughs when I scold him. I, on the other hand, am quick to obey orders.

or

Caleb is not afraid of conflict and confrontation. I, on the other hand, melt when someone corrects me- so my obedience is often just an attempt to avoid any conflict whatsoever.

Let me encourage you to take a few minutes and think about the people you live with. What are some ways that they annoy or irritate you? Can they use that same trait in a positive way? Do they? How can you encourage them to do so? What are some traits in yourself that manifest themselves negatively? How can you focus on bringing out the positive in yourself?

Here's the truth. God made us unique and different. We image Him in so many ways. Sin came into the world and corrupted EVERYTHING- most especially, those personalities He designed. Jesus came and lived out a perfect life. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, we now have the grace and power to live rightly like He did. He can transform our hearts and help us to live out that unique personality in a way that glorifies God, not our sinful selves.

Thanks, Jesus!!