Who is Talking?

10-29-2017Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

A commercial was airing on television this summer and one reference is toward a character who "over shares" his life. The reference is to the other character that is turned off by the other character's desire to over share. Perhaps you know people like this in your life. As human beings, each of us is called to live in relationship some one or more people. We quickly discover that some people around us are really quiet, others really loud. Some are difficult to converse with while others are easy. Some people need to be pried to share about themselves, others over share. And the list of comparisons may go on and on. Somewhere within that spectrum of people is where we find ourselves. While we move into the season of sharing, we might want to consider the sharing in which we participate. For the sake of this article, we might want to consider three different perspectives.

The first perspective might be considered as an extreme about the over sharing person. An individual like this talks about themselves... A LOT. They make very little reference to others in their lives such as close family or friends. They talk about their activities, likes and interests. They rarely ask about your disposition and certainly do not give you much opportunity to share about yourself. If they do ask about you, it’s only to allow you to provide some reply so that they can talk about their reply to the question they just asked you. Another chance to talk about me, myself and I.

The second perspective might be considered as an extreme about the person who shares about others. An individual like this talks, but typically about others. Sometimes they are sharing others fortunes, at other times they are sharing about others woes. They talk about how good some family member or friend is, referring to a special talent or accomplishment. Another extreme about this person is their over sharing about someone else's business. They may ask questions about you, only to get information so they can share that knowledge with others... about you. This person often comes dangerously close to gossiping about others. The gossips are those matters about others which can put their reputation in a negative light. This person takes advantage of talking about others and the activity of others.

The third perspective might be considered a blend between these two extremes. An individual like this is genuinely concerned about others and their needs. This person shares about themselves in a balanced way. People like this may also talk about others, mostly with the intention of desiring someone else's good will. Often this type of person is willing to support others through their time, talent and treasure. They can be relied upon for solid companionship and words of wisdom. They are also good at listening to others in an effort to respond to their needs. When you are around them, you feel like they are really present to YOU!

While we journey ever so near to the season of giving, you may want to consider, in the presence of God, who you are. The upcoming Season of Advent is also an opportunity to invite God's assistance in your personal selfimprovement plan. The message of the Gospel is clear. We are to respond to Jesus' invitations and take Him deeper into our lives. Consequently, we want to act more like Him so that we lead others to Him through our thoughts, words and actions. May His blessed Mother, who we honor this month, pray for us as we desire to share the Lord in sharing ourselves.

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