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I.M. Restrained 8 Nov 2021
"Characterized by reserve or moderation; unemotional or dispassionate".
This morning I caused someone to keep his ears and mouth shut. I got a very defensive response. It is regularly in my life that I get defensive responses. Not many people consider changes in their life or service. I can understand that no-one finds it easy to behave in ways different from just a few moments before.
I am however stuck with people restraining themselves from creative thinking. They may behave as unwilling children. Actually as resisting and refusing grown-ups. Perhaps they can't believe in the working of the Holy Spirit.
Restraining
The person I talked with this morning, responded in the following ways:
- "No, but ..." Being honest and fair he said perhaps: "Yes, but ..." And such in 60% of the answers to my thoughts.
- In answer to "how many", he answered: "I don't know." My suggestions like, "1%, 5% or 25%, could you make a guess?", resulted in an "I don't know".
Cause
I am. Period.
I was however speaking and asking about opening a blocked difficult situation.
Why the "I am"? Who else?
I guess the person I talked with, did not have a serious desire to change. Perhaps he wanted to be in control. You can't help a person who choses to be restrained.
Cost
Change has a cost. I must give up my ego. And as well, it is not I who can change someone else.
Prayer
Father God, teach me to lay down my ego. Open my eyes and ears, and grant me the joy of your Holy Spirit.

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