Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. One of my core convictions regarding this season in my life is maintaining a positive attitude no matter what the report. Now I know I won’t always maintain a positive attitude but it is my goal to do everything in my ability to have one. I remember a phone call I had with someone recently and they were a bit surprised by how well I was handling the news. We definitely have had our moments but for the most part we have remained positive and optimistic about my future. One of the passages I have been giving some thought to recently is Proverbs 4:23. It states, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” When I read this and take some time to think about what it is saying there are a few things that stand out to me. First, the word guard is important. It is an action word. We are required to do something. Protect, be alert, watchful. It would be easy for me to give up and stop believing that my circumstances won’t change, but I won’t. I choose to remain positive. I am doing everything I can to remain hopeful and optimistic. I do this by surrounding myself with positive people, not the naysayers. I choose to listen to music with a positive message and most importantly I spend time in a life giving book everyday – the Bible. These are just a few of the things I am doing to guard my heart. The second point I want to make about the above passage is the phrase “above all else.” This too is an important statement. Why? Because it tells me that guarding my heart should be my greatest priority. What we value we will prioritize. I value my life, my family, my friends, and much more therefore I will guard my heart from having negative attitudes. The last point I want to make about this passage are the final few words, “it determines the course of your life.” That’s powerful! My heart, my thoughts, my belief system have an integral part to play with the course of my life. Have you ever heard about how when one of the spouses of an elderly couple dies, often the other spouse isn’t too far behind. Why? A broken heart. They have given up. They have no reason to continue on because the most important person/thing in their life is gone. This is sad and unfortunate. For me moving forward in this journey I want to remain positive and have a healthy attitude no matter what type of report I receive. I don’t want to be in denial but rather I want a spirit of faith to rise within me.
