Change your thoughts and change your world...no truer words spoken by Norman Vincent Peale. Several years ago, I recall scanning through his book The Power of Positive Thinking. I like to think of myself as being a fairly positive person, but looking back over the past few days...probably not so much. So, I have decided to "change my thoughts and change my world"...I have decided that I will only be speaking to my dog today!
No one loves Christmas more than I do...the tinging sound of bells, the sparkling lights, the many choices of themes for your holiday decor, pulling out my vintage Christmas blow molds for a touch of yard art, singing my favorite carols slightly off key, picking out those special gifts that will bring those special folks on your list the same JOY that you get shopping for them....then the reason for the season..the birth of our Lord and Savior. Yes, my friends this is me changing my thoughts....unfortunately, it isn't changing my world.
It's a mindset for sure...unfortunately, it is like Samson...you know this massive tower of strength where they can do the impossible physically, but on then inside they are still foolish in their decisions. As a mom, I like to think that I am this tower of strength when actually I am as weak as these artificial Colorado pines that I pulled out of storage thinking they had one more good year in them.
Sometimes I get to the point where being such an important part of everyone's life gets to be just too much...especially around the holidays. Think about it...I have surround myself with lots of people...many of whom I have helped create. I recall a comedian reel saying "I have created my own people and now I am their leader." We laugh, but there is a whole lot of truth in that. I like to think that I influence them with love and kindness and inspiring their thoughts to want to try harder and be better in everything they do. I want to be that great example of God's love to those around me....or at least that is my intent.
After a day of running to practice after practice and washing load after load of laundry, I stay up to complete the magical indoor holiday light display...only for my seven year old to round the corner and say, "what is that smokey fire smell?" My first thoughts are "Hmmm...I wonder if that is my new Fireside Chat Scentsy bar?" then I think "it's probably not...I guess I need to check the lights before Daddy sees smoke signals from the job site." But before I can start checking, the nine year old comes down and says, "Mom, is something burning?" UGH....NOTHING IS ON FIRE! And just like that out goes that inspiring woman of God that has now decided only to talk to her dog today!
It's been a day or two since my last devotion, and it is starting to show. The only way that I can change my thoughts and change my world is to get closer to HIM...not my dog...although Miss Pearl is the best little girl ever. I need to stay closer to Him so that I have a better understanding of how He wants me to think and act. If I want to be that positive and inspiring spirit around the people I am surrounded by then my relationship with God must be consistent. Only He can influence my heart and change my mind and my world. Through Him I can rejoice in the commonalities that I have in those around and celebrate our differences. Today and every day moving forward I will be thankful for the endless reasons to hold positive thoughts and truly become consumed with positive thinking.
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