R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"Before I teach my instructors anything, I teach them the honor code--which is to do the right thing always, ..."
From Making the Corps by Thomas Ricks

Life is so much simpler if we just make up our mind to do the right thing always. The right things include being kind, good, honest, trustworthy, compassionate, and loving. I know being those things to someone who has hurt us like our husbands hurt us is at times very, very difficult. And sometimes I still do not do the right thing. But I have found that the times I just stand back a minute and objectively make up my mind to act honorably, I always feel better regardless of what anyone else is doing. It gives me a sense of control. I don't feel as if someone else is driving my life ... I am making my own choices. And you know, when we stay on the high road, it makes them look even worse, even more foolish, even more pathetic and selfish. Your children will see the difference. Your friends will see the difference. Your extended family will see the difference. So, don't let yourself be drawn down to his level. Don't replace his bad behavior with bad behavior of your own. The rewards may not come immediately, but they are guaranteed. And the committed decision to always do what is right makes life so much simpler. We don't have to wrestle with every single alligator. We just do good, do right. Period.

"But to obtain these gifts, you need more than faith; you must also work hard to be good ..."
2 Peter 1: 5a (The Living Bible)