To react or to respond? That is the question.
Ok – I know that’s not the famous opening line of Hamlet’s soliloquy in Shakespeare’s play but it might be the question we all need to ask ourselves. Wait, lest you think I’m judging, I need to ask myself. Am I reacting or am I responding? There is a difference.
Reaction or response?
- the email that is hastily sent when I feel that I have been wronged
- the email sent the following day after thoughtful reflection and prayer
- better yet – a phone call or an IN-PERSON conversation
Reaction or response?
- the sarcastic remark which in my case, may also include an eye roll
- silence and maybe a comment without the sarcasm
- better yet – silence
Reaction or response?
- the words that fly out of my mouth and then I think: “did I just say that out loud?”
- those spoken words that should be said aloud
- those spoken words that are seen in compassionate action
. . . and don’t even get me started on Twitter or Facebook? We can respond globally in the time it takes us to type something on a keyboard or find just the right emoji. We can like, love, be mad, be sad – all with the click of a symbol. I can even respond to you with a bitmoji that looks like me! . . . sort of . . .
We live in a world of instant reaction. Everything must be fast. How did we ever survive dial-up modems??? My guess is dial-up modems and pre-historic rotary dial phones prevented many harsh words spoken in haste. (For proof of my hypothesis on rotary dial phones, please watch Dialing Tips circa 1950.)
In 1980, Eugene Peterson wrote his classic book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society. 1980?? Just think how much has changed in our instant society since 1980!
If only we would slow down and turn our reactions into responses.
If only I could take back the words that hurt a family member or a friend.
If only I had waited until the next day to send the hasty reaction to an email.
If only . . .
Jesus calls us to a life of response – a response to Him and His call on our lives, a response to a hurting world so in need of compassion and love, a response to the grace and love He offers to all. . . . and our response?
God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me – my whole life one long, obedient response. Psalm 119:33 – The Message
Something More 