Human nature is defined as a concept that there are a set of characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that all 'normal' human beings have in common. We also have specific natures that we at times do not acknowledge. These natures may be obvious to others but for some reason, we are blind to them whether considered good or bad. I am sure we come by them honestly. There is also no criticism or fault in saying that it is in someone’s nature to be a certain way. I am referring to the norm rather than the exception. We are not always a certain way. We do our best to be nice to others or to give others the benefit of the doubt. That is our conscious choice. However, our subconscious choices may differ.
Just as I took a break from writing this article, I ate lunch that my dear wife had prepared. Each year she makes her own delicious blend of mustard relish as a complement to the meal. There was just enough relish in the bottle for one small serving although there was more in the basement. I pulled the bottle to me, looked inside, made the decision to let my wife have the remaining relish, and pushed the bottle in her direction without saying a word. In seeing me do this, she said “No, you can have it” and pushed the bottle back in my direction. I placed the back of my hand on my side of the bottle while the front of her hand was on her side. We gently pushed the bottle back and forth two or three times saying to each other “No, you take it.” Finally I agreed to take a share and she took the juice. It would have been interesting to video this exchange.
This caused me to think about what was our nature in this case since I was writing about human natures. We both were displaying a giving rather than a selfish nature toward each other. I have witnessed similar scenes with us many times. It is definitely the norm with us.
Giving or forgiving, which are you? Does it come from your mind (conscious choice) or from your heart (unconscious/emotional choice)? Forgiving is one of those natures that should accompany forgetting. If we say we forgive someone but then add or think that we will not forget, I believe this is a contradiction. If we have a forgiving nature (unspoken and unthought), we are more apt to let go of the initial hurt without having to voice the words “I forgive you.” We are more apt to make excuses for other people’s trespasses and in doing so; we forget whatever it was in the first place. There are some experiences that are hard to forget especially if there are circumstances attached to them. In these cases, we could consider them the same way we would with anything that becomes historical or should I say, past.
What about a loving nature? Does one have a loving nature or does one know what that nature is? If one was never raised in love, how does one know how to express it in ways of (human nature defined) thinking, feeling and acting, that become part of our true God given nature? Food for Thought
Note: The theme for this article has been part of a week long self awareness within my own experiences and the witnessing of the experiences of others. Please feel free to add your thoughts or opinions about the subject material for this article. That way others will have the opportunity to respond to your comments and mine. All comments can be made anonymously.
Charles Trenholm
