My sister has several plaques in her home which communicate messages she wants to teach her children. One is a quote from Abraham Lincoln which says, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Another says, "Attitude is everything, so pick a good one."
These quotes say two things. One--my attitude is very important. If affects the way I think, my tone of voice, and the way I respond. Secondly--I have a choice. I can choose to have a cheerful, positive attitude or a critical, negative one, whether at home, at work, driving, shopping, or at church.
For example, my church has grown tremendously and is entering a building program, which is a great blessing. But growing pains are inconvenient! Things may not be like I want or think they should be. I have a choice of what my attitude will be!!
The book, Stories for the Heart, by Alice Gray, tells of an old man and his granddaughter sitting outside a gas station in a small town. A young man drove up, obviously in town checking it out as a place to live. When he asked the man what kind of a town it was, the old man replied, "What kind of town are you from?" The young man answered, "In my town everyone is critical of each other. The neighbors gossip, and it's real negative. I'm glad to be leaving." The old man looked up and said, "Well, that's just how this town is."
An hour later a family drove up, also looking at the town as a possible place to live. The father stepped over and asked, "Is this town a good place to live?" The old man replied, "What kind of town are you from?" The father answered, "Everyone is close and willing to lend a helping hand. There's always a hello and thank you. I hate to leave. It's like leaving family." The old man smiled. "You know, that's a lot like this town."
Later, the confused granddaughter asked why he had told one man the town was terrible and the other it was wonderful. The grandfather lovingly replied, "No matter where you move, you take your own attitude with you, and that's what makes it terrible or wonderful."
Attitude is everything--so pick a good one!!
Becky
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