Attitude

Friday, July 9, 2010

I went to change our car's tires last Friday. Chris went to work already so I went to the store with Max. Bertha was going to pick us up with the 3 kids. When I got there, I just realized that I left my cell phone at home and the lines was long already. A nice looking middle age woman was standing in front of me. She then asked me to hold off her spot when she stepped out for a while. She came back, smile, and thank me. I thought since she seems nice, it would be okay if I borrow her cell phone so I asked. Her face turned cold. She handed me her phone without saying a word. I started to feel uneasy but went ahead to call Chris and let him know (in English that way the lady won't think negatively) that I forgot my phone and to let Bertha know it would be a while since the line was long.

However, the connection was breaking up; Chris couldn't understand what I was saying. So he hang up. I handed the lady back her phone and say "thank you." She didn't say anything. Then her phone rang. I knew it must be Chris so I told her, "it maybe my husband". I don't know if she pretended not hearing me or she really didn't hear me, but she kept yelling, "Who is this?" "What do you want?" I hold my breath. She then turned to me and asked, "Are you Kiki?" I answered, "Yes." Then she handed me her phone and say "Quick!" I immediately told Chris what happened and asked him to not calling me back. I handed back the phone and say "thank you". Again, she didn't say anything just turned her back against me. *Taking a deep breath* I wonder if this is the same woman who asked me to hold her spot earlier

Quickly, I prayed for self control and joy. I have four kids to take care that day and they depend on my attitude to set the atmosphere of the day. Right there and then God answered my prayer. He reminds me these verses that I memorized over the years as I struggle with anger:

“A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” Proverb 19:11

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

On the way back one of the kids' VBS song keep ringing in my head:
Today is the day He has made, I will rejoice and be glad in in it....

The point of my sharing is well summarized by Charles Swindol in his writing about attitude:

"The longer I live,the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes,than what other people think of, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church.... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you..we are in charge of our Attitudes."

PS: Please don't leave negative comment about the lady. I don't know her and she must have her reasons for acting like that. Maybe she fear that I'm an identity thief or someone who will scam her by using her phone... Anyway I know better now; next time I will borrow the store's phone instead. :)

Whoa... it's Friday already. Have a blessed weekend everybody!

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing, Kiki. Reminding me to choose my attitude right as well, be it toward closest circle or toward strangers. Indeed it's precious to learn from an experience, even when it's not a nice one.

    I feel you are sitting at the feet of Our Father and listening. Have a blessed weekend too.

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  2. Vaniniiiiii.... Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. They're always refreshing for my soul. You're such a blessing!

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