A very wise client, in response to the latest legal skirmish, said to me today—don’t they ever get tired of fighting? As I began to think through all the responses I could give her, all the legal reasons why the latest gambit was allowable or even advisable under the law, I caught her eye and realized just what she was asking me. She needed to know why her Former Husband continued to carry on the fight that could have ended at the time of their divorce years ago and it reminded me how different people see/experience conflict.
Some people see conflicts as an inescapable hazard that threatens to derail their lives completely and their response is to flee. Others see conflict as something that must be addressed decisively and firmly, so they will square off and prepare for battle. The third category is where I want to be—those people who see conflict as an opportunity to learn about themselves, learn about others, and ultimately honor God as the participants work towards solutions that are win-win.
As my wise client challenged me, I challenge you today—how do you respond to conflict?
Abigail
