Here you are surrounded by the negativity of friends, family, coworkers and of course your own. Sometimes it seems like negativity is an ocean and you are in it without any type of flotation device. By the end of this last week I had already been sinking for a few days. It was too the point where you start to panic because you have run out of air in your lungs, but you can't take a breath. I was panicking and allowing my emotions to dictate my actions.
On Thursday, one of the ladies from church asked me to read a poem when she was speaking that night. Her topic was about attitude. I had read the poem shortly before she stood up to speak. However, when she gave me the nod to read my poem I struggled to keep the emotion from my voice. I was convicted.
The poem spoke of having the right attitude not just in word, but in action as well. The main point by the end of the poem is at the end of the day will I hold my head high or hang it in shame as a result of my words and actions. I cannot honestly say that I can do this. I will typically admit when I am wrong and apologize, but how many apologies are allowed before it's just words?
I know as I continue to grow in to the role that God has placed before me (whatever it may be) that I will need to more readily guard my heart, mind and tongue. So today, I picked up a book I have owned for several years and have even started reading a couple of times. The Front Row by Gwyn Oakes.
The very first chapter, Sis. Oakes tells us what she is going to talk about. However, can you guess what the majority of her book will probably deal with? It is very apparent that it will deal with attitude. It would have to since being a leader requires us to be servants. A servant does their work and does not show their attitude. A good servant does their work with a thankful heart and willing spirit. I want to share with you a writing that Gwyn shares in her book from a German philosopher.
I have come to the frightening conclusion
That I am the decisive element.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
I possess tremendous power to make life
miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture
Or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides
Whether a crisis will be exalted or de-escalated,
And a person humanized or dehumanized.
If we treat people as they are, we make them worse.
If we treat people as they ought to be,
We help them become what they are
capable of becoming.
~ Goethe
Dear Lord I need to keep this close to my heart and remember that I am required to treat others as what they can be and not as what they are. I have had many people influence my life in a positive way. Where would I be if they had treated me as I deserved?
