Constructive Behaviour
I love making stuff, fixing stuff and creating new stuff. I just don’t get why people want to wreck stuff or hurt others.
Mrs. Vaughn from Taylorville, Alberta, southeast of Cardston, purchased a brand new 1952 Studebaker from our car dealership which she would drive to town every week or so to get groceries. In the early ’60s, she would stop at our gas station and when I was on duty I would fill up the Stude and check the oil. On occasion, when the oil was low, I would add a quart of Rislone oil treatment.
In the late 1960’s she traded the low miles car in on a Toyota and the old Stude became dad’s pride and joy. The body was pristine with just the right amount of patina that could only be attained from years of weather and sun. Dad parked the car on the street in front of the shop to share it will those who passed by.
One night someone came by the shop and sprayed silver paint all over the car. Dad eventually had the car repainted and it looked great, but he no longer parked it on the street for others to enjoy.
When you do something good, or share something nice or approach or attain a goal some people may become jealous or envious and attempt to sabotage your accomplishment.
The enemies of Nehemiah became jealous of his success and sent a letter intended to derail his project of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. This was his response.
“I knew they were scheming to hurt me so I sent messengers back saying: “I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down. Why should the work come to a standstill just so I can come down to see you?” (Nehemiah 6)
Refuse to engage with others who are trying to bring you down.
Crab Mentality
There are a bunch of crabs stuck in a bucket, some of which could easily escape, but other crabs pull them back down to prevent any from getting out ensuring the group’s collective demise.
I think we all have a bit of “crab DNA” that tempts us to feel envy or jealousy when people around us succeed. The antidote for this is to pursue a worthwhile goal we are passionate about, and along the way find ways to serve and assist others.
Your success may cause others to feel shame that they aren’t good enough. Rather than improve themselves they may try to cut you down.
Challenge
The best thing we can do to counter people who spray bomb treasured memories or destroy beautiful things is not to be one of them. Be aware of when you feel jealous or envious of someone. Figure out why you feel that way and do something positive that will help you overcome those feelings.
When someone does something intended to offend you it is often best to refuse to engage. Simply “pray for those who despitefully use you” and go on enjoying your life. Instead of seeking revenge put your energy toward a project you are passionate about. Your success is your best response. Said another way, “your constructive behaviour is your best response to offensive behaviour.
Update Jan 2024. Apparently after the initial cut on the tree someone came back and made cuts in all of the trunks. That is why the whole tree had to be cut down. Here is a photo taken in October 2022.
Every setback is a setup for a greater comeback.
