If it does no harm, let it go.

I was talking with someone who works with Alzheimers patients and in dealing with them she learned that "if it does no hearm, let it go". 
Now what does that mean?    The literal version in the world of the Alzheimer patient, means that if they are not doing something that will actually hurt them or others, don't get so worried about correcting it. In my heart I believe that God is looking at us in the same way.

How can that advice be used in my daily life?  Can I get stuck with getting angry over a toilet seat being left up?  The act of leaving the toilet seat up does no harm.  Do I get mad if the toothpaste is squeezed down the center and not curled up as I would like it?  The act of squeezing the toothpaste does no harm.  Do I blow up if a glass is not put into the diswasher, but left on the counter? The act of leaving a glass on the counter does no harm. 
I guess what I am saying is that we have to treat each other with the same kindness that we would if someone were ill.  This person you jump on and criticise could be someone that you love and yet you are not going to let them get away with doing anything that you think should not be done or critizise the way they handle a task. This to me really goes hand in hand with having an understanding of what it means to show forgiveness. When we forgive, we have to let it go and move on.   Sometimes letting it go is very difficult.  We feel we must have things our way or we feel that it is the wrong way.   Our way is not always the correct "highway". 
But as Christians we should always be looking at ourselves, examining our actions, correcting our thoughts so that they are more in line with what Jesus would think or feel or say. 
"What Would Jesus Do?", should be our mantra.  This entails thinking and living with love, compassion,  and forgiveness as the leading factors of how we behave.  Your focus should not be about what someone has "done to you", but instead of what you might have "done to others".  Taking on the mind and heart of Jesus is the call of all Christians. It is a moving away from the selfish and moving toward the self-less.   As we get closer to the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, focus on letting go of what does no harm. 

May the Holy Spirit bring you the wisdom and peace to enjoy each other and the season. 

Sue


"Be still and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)