A tale of two attitudes …

It’s a difficult thing to over-estimate the value and impact of a good attitude.

In fact, the reality and quality of your life has less to do with the circumstances you face than with the attitudes you choose.

Compare how this works out in the lives of Frank and Joe …

Frank is not a morning person, nevertheless, he gets up early to start his day in prayer, Bible study, and reflection before heading to the gym where he works out at least three times a week. He then goes home for a quick shower and breakfast with the family before going to work …

Joe also is not a morning person, which means he hits the snooze button on his alarm clock as many times as possible before he’s left with barely enough time to get up, dress quickly and rush off to work. Joe never exercises (at least, not on purpose), and grunts at the family as he runs out the door …

Frank’s morning commute means slow going in heavy traffic, but he has learned to use the time well. Armed with audio books and hot coffee in his car’s console cup holder, he spends the time attempting to navigate traffic congestion by learning more about things that will sharpen his skills, inform him, or even listen to the reading of a great novel. This has turned Frank’s morning commute into a daily adventure …

Joe hits his horn multiple times and spends his commute cursing at the other drivers around him …

Frank doesn’t work at his dream job, but every workday as he walks through the employee entrance he offers a silent prayer of thanksgiving to God for the employment he does have, and asks God to lead him through his workday so that all he does for his employer will bring glory to God …

Joe hates his job and he reminds himself just how much he does every time he walks through the employee entrance …

Frank’s commute home is also in heavy traffic, but he uses his drive home every workday to call a friend so he can make sure he stays connected with the relationships in his life …

Joe’s commute home is used hitting the horn multiple times and cursing the other drivers around him …

Even though he’s had a full day, Frank relishes using his time in the evening on what is important to him: spending time with his family, being active in ministries of the church, and making some time for other relationships, including discipling a couple of men he has led to Christ …

By the end of the workday, Joe is spent. That means he doesn’t want to be bothered, he just wants a cold beer, a hot meal, and a few hours vegging in front of the TV …

Frank’s life requires selfless choices about his attitudes and a daily exercise of self-discipline. Joe’s life is all about Joe, and it shows.

How do the attitudes you choose every day mold the quality of your life? Do you exercise self-discipline to live joyfully to the glory of God? Or is your life more like the average Joe?

Scotty