I do my best
to have a good attitude. I really do. I know everybody has their own problems.
For that reason, if anybody asks how I am, I don’t give them a detailed list of
everything that’s wrong—although I would be justified in doing so. My friends and
family don’t need anything more to worry about.
The E-Mail
I had to
take a step back this morning. I realized I had written to a close friend about
my complicated, ongoing struggles with bitterness and a “victim mentality”. Although my attitude was perfectly understandable,
it wasn’t productive. In fact, I usually scorn such a mindset because it doesn’t
help anyone to move forward. It doesn’t break any bondage; it just reinforces the
strength of the current ones.
My Family
They really annoyed me last night when I wasn’t
feeling well. (Of course, I never annoy them!) If I had allowed
that feeling to dictate how I was going to act towards them, I would have
regretted it later. I had to choose not
to act on the emotion. As it was, I went to bed slightly angry, but with a
clear conscience.
Come on! You
know you’ve been in the same situation!
Some may say
that I should have talked things out with them right away, cleared the air.
Well, the best time to resolve differences is not when someone is sick, tired, or angry. That solves nothing; it
only makes bigger problems in the long term.
I chose not to give in to my immediate feelings
of frustration. As a consequence, I don’t have any messes to clean up today.
What a relief!!!
Thoughts on Emotions by Joyce Meyer:
“Decide to be happy.”
“Don’t think about everything that falls
into your head.”
“You do not have to live by how you
feel.”
The Bible
“Do not conform to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect
will.”—Romans 12:2 (NIV)
The most
powerful scriptural passage on attitude was written by the apostle Paul while
he was in prison. In fact, evidence shows that he knew he was going to die
soon:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will
say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy, think about such things.”—Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV)
My Conclusion
We can control our thoughts no matter what our situation may be. Some
people cannot move from a hospital bed due to chronic illness or injury. Others
are functioning in society despite severe limitations. Only the lucky few seem to breeze through life with few challenges. What decides how
they act? Not their circumstances. Attitudes determine
actions.
Haven’t you
seen privileged individuals act selfishly and destructively? Enough said!
Related Posts
When did you last take an attitude
check?
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