I was cleaning up my computer files and found this quote that I'd saved. It's from Phil Dillon, who blogs at Another Man's Meat. (Couldn't find the post it was from, my apologies.) Here's the quote:
I came to see, little by little, that it was not my place to defend myself or prove myself to others. There are times when it seems more difficult than others. It’s even happened recently. And, thanks to that “chance” meeting in a parking lot years ago I come to rest in those wonderful words when I feel the urge to regress – “This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom He hath sent.”
I really appreciate these words because I too find myself feeling pressed or obliged to either defend myself or to further explain when it is not necessary. Sometimes I think it is necessary, for example, if I am questioned or challenged over something I did or said. In this case my "defense" is an explanation for the benefit of the questioner. These kinds of things are common in family- or other close relationships, I think. (And in blogging :-) )
Sometimes, though, misunderstandings persist, as with other types of disagreement. (And often no doubt exist at the same time in the same situation.) In this case, no amount of additional defense or explanation can help, so one must let go and move on.
