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Optimism
Old Mr. Webster defines Optimism as: 1 : a doctrine that this world is the best possible world. 2 : an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.
Being op "Tim" istic is so easy for me. You've heard the glass is half full? That's the optimistic view... My view... I say someone sold you a glass two sizes two big... Seriously, I'd say the glass holds twice as much as you really need. This is so much fun.
Ok, I'll quit being silly.
We know that having an "inclination" to view the world and people with the most favorable or "positive" view is a great goal. For each and every one of us, everyday. Way to often we start the day off with a smile only to have something silly happen and ruin our attitude. I say ruin our attitude, because we allow it to change our attitude. The easy way for me to stay positive all day is to ask myself a simple question.
In all the years that the world has been around (millions and millions) is this challenge a speed bump in that time line or a deep plunge?
Guess what. I've never had more than a tiny speed bump. Oh, I know at the time, some things seem to be a huge hole. I simply settle down, stop, and say a little prayer and let God handle the bigger bumps. Seems like only just a little while later, I realize that it's all just a tiny bump in the time line of my life.
I know in my heart that God never gives me more than I can handle. More often than not, God is testing me to see if I am going to step up to the plate or let fear make me step away.
Can I tell you something? Every time I step up to the plate, I grow. In my faith, as a person and as a man. God uses me, my life and my faith as an example to others by giving me these tests. God wants me to grow. Learning to be a champion is not always easy. Usually fun, but not always a walk in the park. Accept it. Embrace it and move forward.
Being a champion is learning to be a positive person in the challenges of faith, life, love, work and family. I am so thankful for the challenges that God gives me. Not always at the time I am going through them, but time always brings me around to HIS view.
I love the feeling of growing and watching God use me to be a better man. That's the victory I want to have in my life. A life full of growth, winning and overcoming all the challenges. If you can see your life glass as half full of everything God has to give you, imagine the excitement of what God is going to fill the other half of your glass with. God has great things in store for you.
I pray that your life will be filled with little bitty speed bumps that never slow you down. And that day when you walk into heaven, God will be there to pat you on the back and say... "Well done! My faithful servant."
©2007 Tim Levin
