Nov. 7, 2005 - Why a good attitude is so important!
Yesterday evening I had an opportunity to see what benefit good attitude brings me. A few years ago, I might have responded wrongly and missed a blessing (and a fun evening!). My husband came in the door after trying to control the leaf problem in our yard and called for me. When I came downstairs, he said "Mama, do you want to cook supper?" Now, because English is not his first language, and because he often tries to phrase questions in a polite and non-offensive manner, I assumed he was wanting me to get supper on the table soon.
I could have responded in several ways. Current culture would have applauded if I'd said "Of course I don't! I cook every night. You didn't work today, why don't you cook it?!". Keep the men in thier place, and all that. Or I could have put on a martyred air and said "Oh, don't I cook for you every night, whether I want to or not?"
Glory be to God, He has changed my heart! I was able to answer cheerfully: "Well, I hadn't started yet, but I'll be glad to fix supper for you now if you're hungry". Seeing that look on his face that indicates there was something behind the question, I said "Oh, were you trying to tell me you invited someone for dinner? That's OK! How many?". He told me that no, he hadn't invited anyone, and continued to stand there, with that same look on his face. I decided to play along and teasingly asked him what he really wanted. Finally, he said "Oh, well...I just wanted to take my wife out for dinner tonight, to show my appreciation". And he did just that!
Had I not had the right attitude, and answered his query with a short, irritated comment, I would have missed out on an enjoyable evening with my family, and delicious Chinese food. My husband, not being very tolerant of bad attitudes, would probably have just become silent, and then gone back out to battle the leaves if I'd answered his question with a bad attitude. If he had still taken me out, our evening would have been ruined by his sadness and my guilt feelings over my negativity towards him.
This makes me wonder how many blessings I have missed in my life, due to a poor attitude and a tendency towards giving sharp retorts at the slightest hint of something that might offend me.
Comments
Nov. 7, 2005 - What a sweet story...
Posted by wakeforestmommy
and too uncommon in; even my home. I too have been on a journey as of late to maintain tha right attitude of joy regarding my family. Congratulations on passing a "test" of sorts.
As always, enjoying your blog,
Angela
Nov. 7, 2005 - bravo
Posted by inashoe
Thanks for the reminder to check the attitude before opening the mouth. :)
And bravo for doing so!
Nov. 14, 2005 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
This is a good reflection for all types of relationships and interactions with people in our lives.
