Tacked to the corkboard I stare at every day while writing is a small pamphlet I received in the mail from the Oblates of St. Frances de Sales. There is a section called "The Little Virtues."
There are "little virtues" to practice every day of the week. Here they are:
God, throughout this week, grant me the grace to become more Christlike. Each day, a step at a time, help me to become a saint through the practice of
The Little Virtues
Sunday: A cheerful bearing with our own imperfections and limitations.
Monday: Patient endurance of the small acts of selfishness and injustice of others.
Tuesday: A gentle voice and a calm manner.
Wednesday: An agreeable manner of answering those who speak disagreeably to us.
Thursday: A cheerful tolerance of the tiresome tempers of our neighbors.
Friday: A pleasant manner of accepting a refusal.
Saturday: Showing appreciation even if we dislike being indebted.
These aren't easy to execute on a daily basis. It takes practice. I do see small changes in my behavior from daily reading of the virtues. But the question still remains, after tolerating disrespect, what is the next step to heal our wounded heart?
The younger me would blow up on the spot and point out the impolite behavior. But the older me tries to see the bigger picture. I can't remember how many times I explained to my daughters growing up that when others say mean things or treat you badly, maybe someone treated them worse earlier and that hurt is being taken out on you. Looking at the bigger picture helps the immediate pain, but sometimes it continues to linger until a resolution is achieved.
As hard as it can be, I am trying to kindly approach those that offend me in word or action. No matter the outcome, I find peace in having done my part to get closure.
Thank you, Lord, for St. Frances de Sales and his "little virtues."
Blessings,
Bonnie
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