What's my motivation?

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I've used that line: "What's my motivation" with various directors as I've done plays over the years. It's when I need the director to tell me why my character is doing what she's doing. The script tells me to walk across the stage and pinch my sister. I want to know why I want to pinch my sister...because she stole my doll? Because she stole my boyfriend? Because she's falling asleep in church?

The reason I want to know is because how I pinch her and what I do before and after I pinch her will be affected by why I needed to pinch her in the first place.

Now translate this to real life. A friend walks by, bumps into you and keeps on going. How would you feel? I'd be slightly put out to say the least. Would it change if you knew that your friend had just found out that her sister was in the hospital or if your friend had just been told that you got the spot on the squad that she wanted?

We are prone to not only put words in the mouths of others, but to put thoughts in their head as well. It is easy for us to judge someone by what they might be thinking. Unless you've developed a sixth sense, you don't know what is happening in the heart and mind of the one sitting across from you.

So the next time you get cut off in traffic or a friend is snippy, put the best thoughts in their mind, instead of the worst. Pray for them.

Blessings, The B.D.F.