perspective on conflict

read this here:: http://churchconstructionblog.com/2011/06/15/2-things-i-love-about-conflict/

thought there were some good points...love the different perspective...i tend to be a peacemaker...or maybe that would be better termed a peace seeker...i long for peace in my core relationships...if there is not peace...if things aren't right...it makes me feel that my whole life is off-kilter...i realize there is a balance to be found, as either extreme can cause chaos and confusion...meltdown and disfunction...

anyway...some good thoughts below...chew on this a bit while you settle down from the feasting of the day...

Proverbs 17:9

“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and-good-bye, friend!” Message

I’ve always gravitated toward conflict. I’m not saying it brings alot of peace to my life, I just gravitate toward it. As I’m entering a new decade of my life I’ve been pondering truths about myself. The way I handle conflict is one of them.

There are two things that draw me toward challenging people situations. Problem solving and relationships.

• Problem Solving – I love to figure things out, to know how stuff works. It’s a gift God gave me that sometimes keeps me from sleeping at night because there is no “off” button. But I love finding solutions.
• Relationships – I’m finding some of my closest relationships have been tested by fire. The wisest counsel I get TODAY is from the people I’ve experienced the greatest conflict with in THE PAST.

Andy Stanley says “there is often a gap between expectations and reality. You can choose to fill it with trust or suspicion.” My calling is raught with conflict. The nature of the work I do consulting on church construction projects constantly requires the setting and re-setting of expectations. I’m finding the best perspective comes when I see conflict as an opportunity to take a relationship to a deep level. Conflict has the potential to destroy relationship, or conflict can bring us into an enviornment of grace where we work with, for , and on each other.

What conflict can you leverage right now?