acting and reacting

I have written about this before, but it is a constant issue for us humans.  In a given situation, am I going to react or act? 

Reacting is what we do when we respond to stimuli without thinking.  We just do what comes naturally.  Someone cuts us off in traffic and we retaliate.  Someone says something hurtful to us and we hurt them back.  That is reacting.  It's human, but it is rarely the best course.

Acting is different.  To understand that you can act instead of reacting is some very powerful news to humans that are able to learn this lesson.  You don't have to react to everything.  You have another choice.  Stop yourself, take a step back, take a deep breath.  Ask yourself who you are.  Ask yourself what you are about.  Say a prayer.  Breath in the Holy Spirit.  Consider your options and choose the healthiest course.  Then act.  Act out of the best of who you are.

Things always go better when we act instead of react.  I am sure that we will get another chance to do it right today.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.