More than likely you have heard it said “Never let them see you sweat” while I am not sure the origination of this phrase, I have a polar opinion about going through hard times. I say LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT, let them see you struggle, let them see you bleed, let them see you fight…we will be known for how we respond to adversity. Just about the ONLY thing in this life that is easy is death. Everything from day one until then however, is probably going to be a series of choices we make during difficult times. So what’s different about you? Do you make the choices of someone who gives up, capitulates or searches for the ‘easier’ path? Hopefully not.
It’s in these difficult situations that you can be a beacon…an inspiration. How you react to adversity can be an encouragement as others see how you handle these tough times so that they might be able to learn from your responses to know options as they confront their own challenges.
Attitude is 90% of the process. Sure bad stuff happens, people let you down, situations take a turn…but your attitude is about the ONLY thing you have control over. Don’t let the bad times define you, let your attitude define you!
‘The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of ATTITUDE on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education or spelling, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance or gifted skills. It will make or break a company…a church…a home, a relationship. The remarkable thing is we have a CHOICE everyday regarding the ATTITUDE we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our ATTITUDE…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” —by Charles Swindoll
And so it is with you…we are ONLY in charge of our OWN ATTITUDES. Don’t let people steal your joy over many variations of tiny issues. It happens all the time. It doesn’t matter what happens to you or what someone does or does not do… How you manage it makes all the difference. Next time life changes your plans… don’t play the ‘blame game’ – instead look at how you choose to view the experience. It doesn’t matter the direction of the wind, it’s how you set your sail that will move you forward.
Thessalonians 4:13 tells us “we do not grieve as those who do not have hope,” As children of God, we have a secret weapon – HOPE! Our days may be hard and the current will push against us, but the end has been decided and our future awaits. Live like you really have hope and you will see that there is truth to the old saying “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and realize it is all small stuff.”
Then he said to them, ‘Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NAS