We spend years telling children to ignore other children. Don’t listen to the mean words, and definitely don’t let them convince you. (When boys in middle school call you ‘gay,’ for example, imagine how preposterous that is: are you going to allow people completely ignorant in all areas of sexuality to influence your adult choices?)
There is never a good reason to believe hateful, judgmental people. Reject the lies of bullies and your enemy, the ‘Accuser of the Brethren.’
But sometimes as an adult, you should do what you can to create positive opinions around you. As a high-school teacher, I was once accused by a ‘Karen’-of a mom of having an inappropriate opinion of her daughter. But the teachers and administrators I worked with knew that was ridiculous. (I have never been more grateful that my co-workers thought well of me!)
The principals actually told her, “Ma’am, Mr. Wales is the LAST person you should be worried about….” Can you imagine how that made me feel? It was true, of course, but what a relief!
When I left Richard White’s office after three years working for him as a contract attorney, he said he would miss my “smiling face and cheerful disposition.” I was so pleased to know that he thought that of me. That was a true compliment.
What do peers and co-workers say about you?
As I have gotten older, my attitude about work has only improved, because I have spent just enough time jobless to be super-thankful for employment. I am thankful and grateful and so pleased to be here. And I know that comes across with people in the office. And as a Christian, I need to take that attitude with me wherever I go.
“Let your graciousness be known to everyone—so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps” Philippians 4:5 (Holman & the Voice translations).
We are called to be a light to the world—to show them the way to Jesus. There should be something attractive about our lives, a joy that is not extinguished by difficult circumstances or worries. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” Matthew 5:16.
The easiest way to improve your attitude and increase your joy is to count your blessings.
What are ten things for which you are thankful?
What are twenty things you like about your difficult class or job or group project?
What are thirty things that you need to thank God for today? Write them down.
Like the song says: “Count your blessings, name them one-by-one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
ΑΩ
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