In the Recipricol of Events

The Golden Rule.
Is a terrific tool.

Do unto others as you would you would have them do unto you.

The Golden Rule is the one that gets all the attention, but there are actually two other rules that supersede it, and we never talk about them. But that's another discussion.

We have all heard these words. It is as iconic as Thumper's "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The Golden Rule is a large part of our lives. We learn it in the home before we ever attend school. We try our whole lives to perfect it. It promises a culture of peace and joy. It claims a world of no shattered dreams and nary a broken heart. We are protected by each other. You would never want another to harm you, so by merit you would never harm another.

The problem is we only live half the rule.

We focus on the doing part. The Golden Rule is all about action, doing, giving. We never talk about receiving. And that's the hard part. Recieving NOT what you want, but rather what they want.

For the most part it's all fine and dandy. Most of the time we all like the same thing. I wish someone would invite me to go get icecream with them. I know! I'll invite someone else to go eat icecream. Seriously, who is going to say no to icecream? We all love icecream. No one will be offended if you ask them to go get icecream. Even if they are lactose intolerant they will appreciate the kind gesture.

This is where the Golden Rule shines like the prodigious axiom it so claims to be.

What about when someone wants something done to them that you wouldn't want done to yourself? You're in a gripey, sullen mood. You want someone to come and comfort you. But what your friends would want is their space. They are practicing the Golden Rule, but it leaves you in no better of a place. In some ways you are worse off because what you want is being denied you because of the wants of another.

I'm not saying we abolish the Golden Rule. Quite the opposite. I'm calling everyone out to live the other half of the Golden Rule.

Do unto others as you would have other do unto you.

and

Be able to accept the love and kindness others would give and understand the form of their expression in no way diminishes the significance of their action.

I realize the second part is a little winded. I was born with a loquacious soul. Brevity isn't the better part of my valor.

I think it's something we need to learn to do. I am entirely guilty of not accepting others kind deeds and words. I want a hug, and I get a handshake. I wanted words of encouragement and I get a solemn companion. And when I don't get what I want I feel discouraged.

I realize that's stupid. Just because their actions don't echo what I would do for them, doesn't at all mean they don't care. But I can't help myself from feeling that way sometimes.

And I need to learn to accept offers of gratitude and appreciation whether they are of my coin or not.

Learn to recognize love when you see it, in any and all of its forms. And learn to appreciate that you are being given what they themselves would want in your situation. There's not many louder shouts of acclamation than that.

Learn to accept the actions of others as though they were doing unto you what you would have them do unto you.

I think that's a little better.

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