Fix your attitude on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
In 1977,Jimmy Buffett came out with the song, Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude, which expressed his opinion that changes in scenery can actually change our attitudes and reduce the stress of every day life. He believed that one’s physical location could actually help people relax and let go of rigid expectations. I have to agree, but not all of us are able to change latitude in order to change our attitudes in this life, so we are left to work on our attitudes wherever life finds us.
Attitude is defined as a manner of acting, feeling, or thinking that shows one’s disposition or opinion. Our attitudes can be socially acceptable and good, or they may send strong signals to those around us that it might not be a good day to disagree.
Last week my attitude had deteriorated after dealing with the AI operator at different offices where I needed assistance. So, I decided to make a visit in person to secure the necessary forms I needed. When I entered the elevator, there were two young ladies already in there. They took one look at my face, and one of them pulled out what I thought was a deck of cards, spread them out face down in her hands, and asked me to take one.
I thought they were business cards, so I tentatively took one. She then explained, “These are attitude cards designed to encourage you along your day.” At that point, I realized I had taken two, but when I tried to give one back, she said, “Oh, that’s OK. I’m sure you can use both or pass one along.” My attitude must have been worth a thousand words.
The first card I picked said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” I can’t say my heart was really in the task at hand, but it was a thought. The second card said, “Work hard, dream big.” I took that one to mean that all my hard work at accomplishing my task would pay off? It did work at making me aware of the need for a change in attitude.
We choose our attitudes. For example, both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over over the nation’s deserts. All the vultures see is rotting meat because they thrive on that diet. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants.
The vultures live on what was. They fill their days with what is dead and gone – they live with the attitude of the past. The hummingbirds, on the other hand, greet each day with what is and what is to come. They seek new life, and they fill themselves with the attitude that shows the freshness of each new day.
We choose our attitudes. Martin Luther said, “You cannot prevent birds from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair.” We are responsible for guarding our minds and choosing our thoughts.
How do we get through each day with the attitude God would have us exhibit? Attitudes that fix on the things that are lovely, true, honorable, right, pure, and admirable? First, we should NOT think discouraging thoughts of doubt and hopelessness by meditating on the solution. Think positively not negatively.
Next, count your blessings each day and remember how changes in attitude can remind you how richly you are blessed.
Then, pray and ask God for an attitude adjustment. God is ready, willing and able to help if we ask.
Finally, focus on doing your part to secure a good attitude. Let God do the heavy lifting so that you can finish strong. Kathryn Lang said, “You need to change your attitude if you are going to change your world!” Amen!
Have a great attitude day!