Where the Problems Lie

Have you ever noticed how some people, when they encounter a problem, immediately look around them, and others immediately look at themselves?

On first sight, it seems as if the latter is better, but I think that each can be taken out of balance. Finger-pointing and an unwillingness to accept blame are ugly, but so is a person racked by doubt and unneeded guilt.

I'm wondering if this tendency is born or bred? Whichever, I think that it is deeply deeply rooted in ourselves. This is a characteristic that may not even be discernable to any but those who know you very well. Even those people who are outwardly the most confident are often, inside themselves, trying to figure out what they could have done wrong. And those who outwardly accept responsibility are inwardly often looking for who to blame.

What we have to learn is that both extremes are wrong. One may look responsible and strong, but inwardly it creates fear. The other may look wise, but inwardly it creates pride. True wisdom and responsibility lie in the balance.