"If the Shoe Fits, Wear It!"

"If the shoe fits, wear it!" or so the saying goes. How often we read or hear a comment and know the person had us in mind. And yet how often, red-faced, have we confronted, only to learn they had no idea we were even "in the room," much less did they have us in mind.

I've been on both sides of this as perhaps we all have. Being accused of accusing or feeling the sting of affront when none was intended -- both are painful.

We usually know our flaws. The more serious the more sensitive. Pity the soul who unwittingly uncovers them. I pray for the grace to hear the affront and own it, intended or not. If the shoe fits, it makes no sense to pretend otherwise or take offense.

It's "Getting Along 101," but alas these jars of clay are fragile.

"For grace, O Lord, I pray. When the shoe fits, let me walk barefoot, learning -- listening -- rather than lashing out. Maybe, in time, I will learn the peace only you can give, the peace that refuses to be angry at accusations, true or otherwise."

When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (I Peter 2:23)