Sometimes, in the midst of a difficult situation or just a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (special thanks to Judith Viors for a wonderful children’s book title), there are some awfully nice things that happen regardless of the gloom.
I’m not of the opinion that they are happenstance. I lean more toward the idea that if we find the silver linings, despite the clouds, then we make ourselves see those good things that happen. It’s all about the attitude. A decision to have a good one or a bad one.
I realize that envy is a sin..but I envy those born with a sunny disposition and attitude. Nothing seems to ruffle their feathers, nothing seems to make them skip a beat ~ they remain level and calm during the storms of life while those like me just stand to the side, incredulous and a little resentful of the “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade” sensibility.
I was simply not born with the sunshine and rainbows surrounding my aura. Wishing it were naturally bestowed upon me is like wishing the UPS truck would stop by my house with a truck full of cash and prizes. Not happening.
It is work. It is pushing aside the negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Yesterday, I must have done that about two dozen times. Just yesterday alone!
But I did it. It started by admitting my attitude failure yesterday morning to a strong woman in Christ who sat back in her chair and said to me, “Yep. It happens to all of us. God taps me on the shoulder constantly and reminds me of what I need to do.” So I am not alone in my struggle….and neither are you.
Yesterday afternoon, I popped another Joyce Meyer dvd in the laptop about faithfulness while I cleaned the kitchen and folded laundry. She reminded me that I have the ability to choose to trust God to work things out for good. All things.
And He didn’t disappoint. Every time a thought of condemnation or hopelessness about one particular thing in my life crept in, I shut it off. I literally repeated…out loud in empty rooms….Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Attitude. Not ignoring the situation but changing the angle at which we look at it.
Yes, I failed the test but I’m going to take it again!
Yes, I had a crummy attitude last week but it doesn’t mean that I will next week!
Yes, I have never stuck to a workout routine in my life but I can now!
Yes, that person disappointed me but I’m going to persevere on my OWN path!
How?
Because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”~ Phillippians 4:13….so I can do this.
Blessings,
Amy