Acting Without the Drama

September 27, 2008. I have been given many chances lately to act childishly. I’m pretty sure that those close to me would not even have called me to task for it. I think they may have even felt at times that it was called for.

I certainly have.

I’m not saying that there haven’t been childish moments. There definitely have been. Fortunately, most of the truly childish moments have been shared with those that know me and love me regardless…those that I trust. I don’t think I’ve done much lashing out at those that I’ve felt hurt by. Oh, I’ve wanted to, though.

But if I do, I’m no longer a man of my word. Grown-ups say that they’ll do something, and then they do it. When something comes along to make it impossible, they do the best they can, while talking through the situation. They become that much more accommodating toward those with whom they’ve broken trust. Grown-ups stick around, even when it gets tough. Especially when it gets tough.

I’ve spoken and written about the beautiful world we can live in if we choose to live in it. Therefore, if I’m choosing to inhabit a world that’s less than beautiful, I’m not a man of my word. I talk about the freeing power of forgiveness. If I don’t forgive, I’m not a man of my word. I talk about how staying connected is the answer. If I choose to stay in my disconnect, I’m not a man of my word.

So, as I see it, I either need to stop talking so much (always an option ), or I would like to move forward, taking my own advice. I sometimes feel that if teachers actually did what they were telling others to do, it would be a very different world we live in. I would like to be the teacher that puts his money where his mouth is.

So as much as some parts of me would love to throw a screaming tantrum right about now, I choose to act like an adult. At least for today. This hour. Okay, I know I can do it for at least this moment.

After all, growing up is a process…

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