The IMPULSE and the WRESTLING MATCH
Last night I was visiting a store in my hometown and saw a high school classmate ringing the Salvation Army bell in front. I was in a hurry and he didn't see me so I entered the store, curiously watching my thought process. Do I meet the need I could meet with the extra $5 in my pocket, even if I can sneak past him on the way out? I mean, we can't give every Salvation Army bell-ringer our money, right?
The impulse to do something good does not always strike at a convenient time, nor does it ask if we want to respond or even feel we have the means to respond. It just presents itself and waits...on us.
There is also the bad choice impulse: that not-good-for-me food or losing my temper at my spouse or child. The thought--the impulse--to behave this way or that strikes and the choice is mine.
The gift to yourself is listening to the few precious seconds after the impulse strikes: if you give yourself that space of time, you might hear a course of action that has wisdom embedded in it. Yes, you can give that $5--don't worry now about next opportunity to do something good. Yes, you can walk away from that food and feel sturdy and pleased at your willpower--it will even taste better than the food itself. And for sure, you will love choosing a course of even temper that will give you something wise to say in that critical moment when your spouse or child could be hurt with flying out-of-control words.
The few precious seconds that are the listening space beyond impulse are nothing short of a wrestling match. What course of action will win? The gift is yours for the choosing.
