“A” is for…

Attitude in Adversity

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.   Galatians 5:22-23

When someone cuts me off in traffic I can allow a flash of anger to take root and explode into road rage or give the culprit the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe s/he didn’t see me, especially if I was in that darn blind spot.  Or maybe s/he had an emergency of some sort that it’s of utmost importance that s/he get there quickly.

When I smile at someone and they scowl in return, I can allow it to change my attitude and feel resentment or I can, again, give her/him the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe s/he was so burdened by something heavy that s/he didn’t notice the smile from a stranger.  Maybe her/his world doesn’t revolve around the smile from this woman.  Really? Someone’s world not revolving around me?  🙂 And how many times have I been in that situation where the roles were reversed.

When someone says something unflattering about me in the office, do I get spiteful and begin to form that nasty grudge, or do I brave to look inward. Were my behavior or words harsh and unloving? Did I act in an ungodly manner?  If yes, then I need to take responsibility for my poor judgment and make amends.  If not, then there’s nothing I can do except be sure and act in a loving, godly manner, lifting that person up in prayer.

Attitude in adversity, or when our back is against the wall, reveals our true character.  Impossible to shine in tarnished situations? No. Difficult? Yes! But with practice comes improvement.  Today, I will practice that my character reflect Christ’s light within me.

Peace to you.