Peacemaker

I've spent some time trying to figure out why I am the way I am. I am a peacemaker. The one everyone goes to for support.  I like that role.  I feel it is part of who I am.  I remember as a child, my mother would tell me that I stand up for people too much.  I always make excuses for their bad behavior.  I guess that it is true. I tend to try to see things from other's standpoint.  I try to walk a mile in their shoes.  I know what it is like to be the odd-one-out and I know what it's like to be in an inclusive group.
I think it's good to have empathy. To try to see things from a perspective that is not your own.  I know where this came from.  I am an Adult Child of an Alcholic and a firstborn.  Whoah! Uh-oh.  Bad combo, maybe, but I believe that through lots of self-help and God's grace, it has worked to my advantage.  When you don't always know what to expect, you are able to adjust your expectations of others accordingly.  None of us are perfect, and we tend to expect that of others...or at least close to perfection. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes forces you to admit your imperfections and allows you to cut another some slack.  It is not always successful and not always well-received, but it is worth it to try to do so.  It is freeing for all parties involved.
The whole basis of musings on this subject started today as I was praying.  I have been rather focused on prayer lately.  Having some time to recover after a gallbladder surgery's recovery that didn't go as I had imagined, I have had some time to focus and really develop a prayer list. Among this list  is the desire for family members to develop a better relationship with God and one another.  As I was praying, it came to my mind that most likely one will follow another.  If we are developing a better relationship with our Creator, we will develop better relationships with our family and loved ones.  It all fits. Makes perfect sense.
So, with that epiphany, I am continuing to pray...continuing to empathize and be there for others.  It is my role.  All of the things that have happened that make me be the one who excuses others for their not-so-spectacular behavior were a part of the big plan.  I can continue to be the peacemaker. I will continue to be the peacemaker.....the one who tries to see things as others do. I hope that I can help to change the world just a little by this.