“Life is 10% circumstance and 90% attitude.” Chances are you have heard this old adage a thousand times over. Maybe you’ve seen a cheesy poster of an airplane flying through a bright blue sky with the words “Attitude determines altitude” displayed in the clouds. These phrases might be tired, old and cliché, but they still hold up. Happiness, satisfaction and contentment are all attitudes more-so than feelings. You can decide each day if you are going to let your circumstances get the better of you or if you are going to get the better of your circumstances. This concept is better illustrated. Cecil May, via Preacher Talk, recalls the writings of a man (Kenneth Joines) who had recently lost his wife Jan. Here are Joines’ words:
“This year was the second anniversary without her. I have decided I have two choices: I can shed tears because she is gone, or I can smile because she lived. I can cry because of what she took away, or I can open my eyes and see what all she has left. My heart can be empty because she is not here or it can be full because of what we shared. I can turn my back on tomorrow and try to relive yesterday, or I can be happy today because of yesterday. I can close my mind, be empty and look back, or do what I think she would want: smile, open my eyes, love and go forward. In each case, I choose the latter.”
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11 – 13)
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