What are you
thinking about right now? I am guessing that you’re pondering one of two
things:
- What you plan to accomplish today
- Incomplete tasks and disappointments of the past
Slow down
for a minute and ask yourself if I’m right.
Some of us
are able to celebrate even the smallest victories in life. Others insist on
winning earth-shattering wars before they allow themselves to rejoice. Which
type of person do you think is the most happy?
The Apostle Paul
In my last blog
post, I wrote about his wonderful attitude. He wrote certain of his letters
from prison. That didn’t stop him from writing words of encouragement that have
lasted throughout the centuries.
Yes, he was
a product of his time and culture. (Aren’t we all?) He had some attitudes that modern
man might find uncomfortable. On the other hand, his writing is full of
gratitude and hope. He even mentions specific names of people who deserve help
and encouragement.
Cindy
She’s a
cherished online friend. She recently shared that optimism is an uphill battle
for her. This lady grew up in an extremely negative environment. Because of this, pessimistic
self-talk comes easily to her. For instance, she might be planning something, but
what she will hear in her head is: “That won’t work! What are you thinking?!!!”
Cindy could meditate on her current success
and health rather than on past disappointments. She is able to choose hope and belief. The revelation that she can determine her own thoughts is working
miracles in her life, but it’s a constant fight.
Jason
His youngest
daughter, Jamie, a self-sufficient young adult, contracted an illness that
moved to her brain. In essence, she had
a severe stroke. At first, Jamie could only lie in bed and move her eyes. Her
family refused to give up hope, though.
Milestone
followed milestone. None of the triumphs would have seemed difficult to many
people. However, each of them was similar to winning an Olympic race for the
young lady:
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Talking
- Walking with a walker
- Walking unaided
- Driving
- Going back to work
What kept
her going? She and her family concentrated on the small steps forward rather
than the giant steps she was unable to take. They continuously pondered what was going right, instead of the many
things that were not going well.
Christine
Her husband
recently asked for a divorce. That would be upsetting to anyone. However, this
young woman has two very young children and a time-consuming business on her
plate.
What
attitude has she chosen? Peace. She knows that obsessing about her many
problems isn’t going to raise her children or run her company.
My Conclusion
At any given
moment, we can choose to meditate on the
solution, not the trials. We can also pray the
answer, not the problem.
I remember
an analogy I first learned as a teenager: Our mind is a stage, and we are the
stage managers. We have the right and responsibility to control every
object or person who passes through the performance area.
Someone must
be in charge of every production. Chaos will follow if no control is exercised.
I’ll end
with one of Paul’s many simple, yet profound teachings: “For we live by
faith, not by sight.”—2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Related Posts
Are you successful at stage managing your thoughts?
