As the "Tude Turns"

July 25, 2007

I love to rock my world by reading books about attitude – more succinctly – changing ones attitude. One of my most loved books on the subject is Patsy Clairmont’s, “Sportin’ a ‘Tude” – a delightful look at the ordinary changes in life. In order to maintain balance and keep a steadfast focus of my direction I make lists …..lots of lists. Do you make lists? There’s hope for us. The queen of list makers, Barbara Ann Kipfer, has a best-selling book out called, “14,000 Things to be Happy About?” Now there’s a list. It’s a 611-page list of one item after another of things she celebrates or brings to attention. They are small tiny things to bring a smile, as well as gigantic things that make you laugh any of which can make a life-changing difference in how you look at life. The cover calls it "mesmerizing" …… huh ……. interesting …… no one ever called my lists mesmerizing! The challenge is to come up with something that isn’t in there.

Here's a small sampling: hayrack rides, soft robes to settle into, trouser pockets chortling with change, fondue sets, the bus arriving on time and with empty seats, free makeup samples, dogs leaning against your legs, pink-cheeked faces in knit hats, the sense of promise inherent in the start of a new year, remembering when jeans were only for play, egg-in-the-hole and bacon, a tractor inner tube (to float on), a trout pond, playing kick the can, children at recess, bowling leagues.It is interesting the memories or thoughts a list of this kind conjures up. Some are profound: the silence of close friendship, smile lines, a quiet observer, 100-watt eyes, saying yes, facing the truth.Some instantly bring a smile: when your fingertips have shriveled to prunes, and you're clean enough to put on fresh pajamas. While we're on that topic, clean sheets have also got to be on that list, I'm sure. Oh and add licking off a dasher of homemade ice cream.

Where do we get a critical spirit, and where do negative thoughts and attitudes come from? Is that jealousy or our own feelings of inadequacy? Can we blame it on genetic make up? Perhaps life's experiences, or our own internal chemistry or maybe it’s like a cold – very easy to catch in the world we live.

A pearl to string: Seeking the attitude of Christ will bring an abundance of His grace. God’s word says, “Finally, brothers & 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 4:8 Don’t you just know God starts everything and He was the first list maker! So maybe follow His lead and start your own list: picking up a daughter or son at the airport, the sounds and smells of fresh coffee brewing, tearing open a paycheck envelope, a houseful of sleeping family members, and the holy hush when everyone quiets and a service of worship begins. Surround yourself with the goodness the Lord brings into your lives.

As the ‘tude turns may He richly bless you,
Lyndi