Conflict Can be a Blessing

I have always hated conflict. Being a part of or seeing a disagreement between people has always seemed to bring about the sweaty palms, quickened heart rate, and surge of adrenaline. I have spent my adult years (because we all know that youth thrive on conflict with siblings) trying to avoid misunderstandings at all costs, or if impossible than to at least help both parties to come to resolution as quick as possible. 

I'm not sure where all this came from. I do intend to get to the root of that issue someday soon, and perhaps a valuable lesson learned today will help me along the way.

We have had a young woman living with us for nearly three weeks now, and we're still working on figuring each other out. I had felt the rumblings of frustration all day and was quite anxious in anticipation, when  after dinner the volcano of anger erupted. My heart rate shot up and I leaned over and rested my elbows on the counter in an effort to still my shaking hands. Then something seemed to take over; I let her speak until she was done voicing her frustrations and concerns long bottled-up, and I suddenly wasn't anxious. I was relieved! I was so thankful to hear this woman's heart and honest opinions even through her expressed anger. The discussions took several minutes (which is normally enough to break me), but what I was astounded to find was that I actually loved this woman more after our argument than I did before! I was thankful to have been able to go through the vulnerability of anger and come out on the other side with mutual understanding. I now have more of a heart to serve her because I see where she's coming from but also how I can personally grow to become better at what I do.

So, I got in an argument today. And I am blessed.