The "Drama" of Life

My experience living and working with Ukrainians is that, being highly emotional people, there always seems to be a lot of what I call "drama" in our lives. Life is like a drama on TV - full of the ups and downs of relationships; misunderstandings; crises and unexpected events right and left. You may say, "That's just LIFE!" Yes, it's true, but here - it seems - the emotion of it all is set higher than other places I've lived.

The latest bit of  'drama' had to do with Olga (my secretary's) children, the neighbor kids and their father. There was swinging, twirling, throwing up, shouting and banishment of children. Lack of communication, pride and stubbornness were some of the things that kept the families from coming together and resolving this.

There was a discussion about all of this in the office as we worked on Monday. It was a long and involved and emotional conversation. But there was something said at one point that turned the conversation and helped bring resolution to this whole "drama." 

Lena said to Olga: "Olga, but let's remember what we studied in INSTE... 'Aconflictcan lead to reconciliation and draw you closer to each other. But a problem always means separation and moving away from each other.' (from Discipleship 1 book) Which is this for you - a conflict or a problem? You need to decide and then act on that."

Before the sun set, the conflict was resolved! Friendship restored! Peace in the neighborhood!

So great to hear people actually benefiting from the material they've studied and that the Holy Spirit can use it to impact our lives in real ways!