A few more thoughts........

1. Treasure your relationships. After all, people are the source of our power. Every relationship we nurture empowers us, and every relationship we sever weakens us. So, the more we get along with people the greater our power.

2. We learn from others. EVERYONE has something to teach us. Look for it. Find it. Recognize it. And act on it.

3. The people we work with act as our allies. When you joined the church committee, you had the opportunity to multiply your power and service to others.

4. Our relationships can provide a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration.

5. The faults of those we interact with remind us of our own, and provide us with opportunities to practice patience, understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness.

6. Our relationships serve as a practice ground where can develop our character. Where else can we learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable?

7. When we serve others, we serve ourselves. For example, when you help others, they hold you in esteem. And it is the esteem of others that develops your self-esteem.

8. When you get along with others you end stress, share in laughter, and gain peace of mind.

9. Most people are decent, and conflicts are generally caused by misunderstandings. Those who are unkind are usually insecure, feel threatened, are afraid, and lack confidence. Instead of a cold shoulder, they need a shoulder to cry on. Instead of a punch in the face, they need a pat on the back.

10. Remember that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

11. Here's a useful tip from. Dag Hammarskjold (1905 ~ 1961), "An apology is a friendship preserver, is often a debt of honor, is never a sign of weakness, is an antidote for hatred, costs nothing but one's pride, always saves more than it costs, is a device needed in every home."

12. View everyone you meet as an opportunity to experience God. Do this by experiencing His Love and freely and unconditionally offer it to all.

13. Don't let pride destroy a relationship, for as Reuel Howe wrote, "Indeed, this need of individuals to be right is so great that they are willing to sacrifice themselves, their relationships, and even love for it."