"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." {2 Timothy 2:23}
It sounds like Apostle Paul is talking to me. During Election Season.
I have had a hard time this year. I have come face-to-face with my passionate personality, a critically-thinking mind, an affinity for debate, and a natural bent towards politics of any kind. Add to these an intense election process in our country for the White House for the next four years, and I feel like an explosive being introduced to a lit match.
Let me admit, I have fed the flame.
I have faithfully listened to political coverage on satellite radio all the way to work. Once in my desk, I have hopped online to screen numerous political and news sites for latest polls, predictions, and wild stories. Then I open my email, and I usually receive around 10 new political commentaries, articles, jokes or new conspiracies a day. On my lunch break, if I am in my car, I have the chance to tune in again, and on the way home, I catch up on what I missed. (What could I possibly have missed?) Over dinner, my husband will brief me on political news or conversations from his day, and for dessert, we find ourselves checking in with the talking heads on satellite tv.
I know this year's election is hot, and many of us are feeling the pressure building inside as we head toward election day. But how to not combust and take those around us out in flames is the question.
On this month's retreat with my best friends from college, I feel I combusted during our political conversation. This is one incident with gun-powder that has caused me to evaluate my methods, my motives, my thoughts, my heart.
Then I found the rest of this passage:
"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth..."{2 Timothy 2:23-25, NIV} Be kind! Don't argue. Do not quarrel. (But Lord, have you been following the 2008 election?)
If someone opposes you,
gently instruct them. Gently instruct??
Oh, the restraint required.
Oh, the freedom and life this could breathe into my relationships. And perhaps the discussions could be just that...a healthy discussion. A chance to dialogue over ideas and our future without the heat and the smoke.
Girls in San Antonio, I am sorry for heat I let off during our debate. Thank you for bearing with me when my political passions got the best of me...I am learning by grace how to feel strongly but speak gently.
Praying with you for the ability to talk, share our concerns and views, walk alongside, and share life with those across the aisle...
gently...
without setting off smoke alarms.
Hang in there, only one more week til Nov. 4th!
Katherine
This afternoon, My Honey is taking me to San Francisco and Napa Valley to celebrate our One Year Anniversary. I am so excited - I have never stayed in a Bed and Breakfast before! 
