Offense or Defense?

A couple of things have happened this past week that have me thinking...

First.

I offended someone. *SARCASM WARNING* Ahhh, no, not me. I never offend anyone with my bluntness or lack of thinking. No never. Well, I am pretty sure I did just that, offend with bluntness and lack of "thinking before speaking". Said offense allowed me to experience someone choosing to be offended, which in turn, made him start to be defensive. It was not fun.

Yes, yes, I know there's a lot of room for improvement in this area for me! I do have a tendency of speaking sometimes before thinking... You would think because I know I do it, I would be a little better at controlling it. Not the case. I do give myself credit for getting a little better with age though. Another perk of getting older *wink* I also know that it is our choice to choose to be offended or not, thinking on that will be for a later post.

Second.

Fires! Lot's and LOTS of Fires! Living in the desert of Arizona has it's pros; the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and it's cons; fire danger during the dry season (which is really the majority of the year). The latter being the subject of a lot of conversations over the past two months.

From what the news says, we here in the A.Z. have experienced the worst fires in the states history. Along with multiple other "small" fires that have devastated communities, wildlife, and outdoor enjoyment for a little over 2 months now.

It was always depressing to hear on the news that it was only, insert really low number here, contained. It was depressing to hear them say that another fire has started up and that another community has been asked to evacuate. That, another home was lost, another campground destroyed, etc. It was just sad.

Then one day, I remember them specifically talking about going on the offense instead of defense! Instead of fighting what they couldn't control, they would fight with something they could. Controlled burns. Genius! As of today, the wildfires in Arizona are now all under control or all out!

Third

I have been thinking a lot about Jesus Christ. About His role in my life, who He was, how He taught, and how important it is that I gain a greater testimony of Him. I have been praying and fasting for an increase of faith in Him. And I have recently asked myself, did Christ play, Offense or Defense?

I am looking at and learning from each of these perspectives in my life right now.

I've realized I want to fight with something that I can control. And what I can control, is me.

I know I am not perfect, nor will I be when I leave this life, but I can work on the faults that I have. I can try harder to be nice, I can try and be aware of the fire dangers around me. Those fires can burn me and burn others if I don't try to be on the offense, by curbing my words.

Most importantly, I now know I need to turn to my Savior, Jesus Christ. When there are things that I can't control, He who knows what position to play. He is my perfect example and who we should all try and emulate. The primary song, "I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus" has been randomly popping up in my life during the last week also. I like to think that it is not by chance. I hope the words will be on repeat in my mind for the rest of my life and will help me in curbing my words for the future.

I am truly thankful that we can take each day and learn to be better. Here is hoping I grasp what I am writing here!!