Attitude!

It has often been said that "Attitude is everything." Though that may not always be true, maintaining a proper attitude can make a dynamic difference in our life. Attitude can make the difference between a focus of "Why me?" and choosing to joyfully press on anyway. It can make the difference between living a life of sulking over something lost and being thankful for what is still retained. Attitude impacts HOW WE SEE life in spite of its challenges, helping move the focus from the dark side to the bright side of life. I think the following illustration bears all this out.

One morning a woman woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed she only had three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up to find she only had two hairs on her head. "Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair in the middle today." She did and had a great day. The next day she woke to find she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, " I think I'll wear my hair in a ponytail." So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke to find there was not a single hair on her head. "Yea," she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today." [original author unknown]

Attitude! It impacts HOW WE SEE life and our ability to press on in JOY. The Hebrew writer encouraged the Christians to whom he wrote to keep pressing on even in the midst of persecution by noting the exemplary focus of Jesus.

We read. . .
"(1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, WHO FOR THE JOY THAT WAS SET BEFORE HIM ENDURED THE CROSS, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Certainly the cross was not fun for Jesus. As He prayed in the garden, He knew what He was facing and revealed His desire for some other way. Still, Jesus surrendered fully to the plan and endured the cross on our behalf. In spite of the agony, there was JOY in knowing what was accomplished through it.

In spite of afflictions and challenges from many sides ( 2 Corinthians 11:23-29), rather than throwing himself a pity party, Paul experienced a JOY in his ministry that knew no bounds. ( 2 Corinthians 7:4) James also exhorted those to whom he wrote to find JOY in their various trials by focusing on the spiritual growth they would gain. ( James 1:2-4) To a great extent life does boil down to HOW WE SEE it! Attitude makes a dynamic difference. However, the real source of that power is in having the life focus centered on God being the One Who ultimately has things under His control. The challenges of this life will pass, but our life with Him is forever.

Have a great day BECAUSE GOD IS IN IT!
Carl

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