Think of it this way. . .
Who wants to keep company with a negative-thinking, down-in-the-mouth grouch? A pessimistic skeptic can spread such a sour mood wherever they go that no one enjoys their company. How do we come across to others? Are we a soon forgotten, complaining ‘turn-off’, or do we make such a delightfully everlasting impression that we’re welcome any and everywhere?
Even after all these years, I’m easily reminded of a young, out-going fellow-student in college. He had a smile as big as Texas and a personality to match. He was that way with everyone, and I was so impressed that I tried to be like him. That was as much an important part of my college studies, and I still use that approach in my own social relationships. Thank you, Dave!
I remember another fellow – proverbially smart, successful, popular, had “everything his heart desired,” with nothing ahead to hinder – just smooth sailing. But, as often happens to people like that, he became bored and discouraged with life in general and had lost that special lust for living. Perhaps due to his materialistic outlook on life he lost sight of what’s good, right, and truly worthy. He wrote in his memoirs, “As I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless – like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worth-while anywhere.”
If you are looking for an uninterrupted, on-going, always upbeat, and an all- together fulfilling lifestyle, you may also be sorely disappointed, anyway. Afterall, we’re dealing with finite humans in an imperfect world. There are going to be chasms, hurdles and roadblocks; but disappointment does not have to give way to negative pessimism. Please remember this:
“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” (Prov. 15:15)
How will you choose to react to trouble; how will you handle the situation, or will the situation handle you? You may have to count to ten and take a deep breath; then give ’em a great big smile and always have a good word at the ready.
-John D.
