Now I know

?I didn’t mean to hurt you. And I now realize you didn’t mean to hurt me either.
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?All too often it seems relationships are damaged by those unintentional moments.
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?That funny joke, that would have been fine a few weeks prior, before their someone dear (who would have made the same joke) passed away. And now they associate you with the grief of that loss.
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?That thing you’re so completely unaware of that has been lodged in their mind all these years. Whether directed at them or not, they remember you as the culprit, and so you shall remain in their mind unless they change it.
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?The innocent comment in passing, not knowing how sensitive that topic is for them due to past traumas they’ve never disclosed to you.
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?The thing is, this kind of impact can go both ways. Damage and restoration can take place in a moment, whether on purpose or not.
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?I’ve hurt people and been hurt by people, both intentionally and unintentionally. 
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?I’ve inspired people and been inspired by people, both intentionally and unintentionally.
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?‍♀️Sometimes we’re aware of it, and sometimes we’re not. 
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Honestly, the vast majority of people really aren’t
❌out to get you
❌trying to hurt you
❌malicious
❌looking for ways to make your life hell on earth
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?Most people just aren’t aware.
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?They’re unintentionally acting from their unhealed wounds.
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?They’re actually pretty nice, if not perhaps a bit socially awkward.
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?They’re genuinely trying their best with the energy they have.
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?This isn’t an excuse for anyone’s poor behavior, so much as an invitation to consider the best. Look for the beauty in people. It’s there.
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?Forgive. Choose to let go of offense. Choose to see the best intentions. Freedom from offense is yours, if you choose it.
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?My prayer for you is this >> Lord, help my ears hear their heart, and help my heart hear their hurt. Amen
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?May you choose to let go of these passing offenses, and live free from the wounds that were never meant for you.