Tonight I was so close to posting an entry complaining about…complaining. And spouting my opinion about…people spouting their opinions.

And how ridiculous would that have been? Answer: very.

What started me on my mental rant (that thankfully won’t be making it onto paper…or computer screen) were several articles/blogs/stories I’ve come across in the past few days along with the “comments” sections following each article. It didn’t matter what the topic was (stay at home moms, Obama’s health care agenda, whether or not “early” marriage is beneficial), but for each subject, the opinions on both sides were presented so, well, hard core. And in each case, it just bugged me.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got thoughts, and in some cases definite opinions, on each of those subjects. And the truth is, I actually sort of enjoy debate. There’s an art to a good argument that I can definitely appreciate. 

But sometimes I think it’s just too tempting to spout opinions just for the sake of spouting opinions, of trying to prove you’re right. And it’s just too easy to complain about those on “the other side” without really taking the time to at least hear them out, trying to understand where they’re coming from, maybe even admitting that while you still don’t agree, you can see how they got from “a” to “b” in their thinking.

Then again, maybe it’s just me that struggles with that.

All I know is, reading those article and all the comments that followed convinced me that I don’t want to be so caught up in my opinions that I can’t see the people around me, really hear their stories. I want to value and respect people – and even place worth on their thoughts – even when I disagree completely.

I guess it comes down to a desire to be a calming person to be around. Not wishy-washy. And not without convictions. But a good listener. A respectful disagree-er. Someone with a good sense of timing as to when it’s right to make those convictions known.

You know, it’s like the difference between Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde in “Anne of Green Gables.” (I know, this blog has only been in existence a couple months and already this is my second mention of Anne!) Here’s the deal: Both women have opinions, even complaints. But while one has a definite affinity for airing her opinions and complaints at whomever will listen, the other has a knack for waiting until the time is just right, until the moment when it’s actually beneficial to share her thoughts. And she almost always listens to the other side (except for when she accuses Anne of losing her broach when really she lost it herself…but hey, nobody’s perfect all the time!)

I want to be more Marilla-ish…

…less Rachel-ish. 

And well, maybe, hopefully, by not posting my original rant, I’m at least getting closer.