In the Trenches

Since where you are is a direct result of what you've been doing
It's insane to continually repeat the mistakes of the past
So often when in the midst of an emotional situation
The initial response is to duplicate previous behaviors
What comes naturally without thought or effort
It's difficult retraining yourself to stop and think
Did this response work before?
Would reacting differently possibly generating an alternate outcome?
Pushing past the emotions and searching for truth is the only way to forge through
Emotions lie, deceive, cast images, smoke and mirrors where none exist
They drown out rational thought, reason and common sense
Leaving no logical responses to be found
With the right motivating forces, the desire for change can be found
The aspiration to give what you haven't given before
Speak things you tell yourself not to speak
Work through things you would have just walked away from before
A soft answer is supposed to turn away wrath
A concept very difficult to grasp
With tempers flared and adrenaline pumping
It's easy to retort, the natural unction
Instead, out of longing to preserve something more genuine
Taking a time out to gain perspective
Rather than embracing offense, spewing venom in return
Allowing love to bear up under any and everything that comes
Since only it is capable of enduring everything without weakening

I recently found the desire to get down in the trenches, wallow in the mud
Instead of tucking my tail under choosing to avoid or run
What's at stake more valuable than holding onto being right
Staying in fellowship more important than who wins the fight
A different perspective, unlike the view than previously seen
The yearning to nurture, listen, comfort and esteem
Openly communicating putting annoyance aside
Exercising patience and understanding, letting little things ride
Wondering if my intentions and sentiment are evidently apparent
Hoping what resides within my heart is undoubtedly transparent