Attitude

Welcome back. I am glad you stopped by to rest. Today is the beginning of the Easter Weekend. I hope you and your family are well during this season. I am happy to be alive and to have the opportunity to share this time with you. As you may know my Dad passed away on January 10 of this year (Read my post, Hello World). Although his passing provided sadness for our family, we were happy for Dad. Sad that he left this dimension, but happy that he began his new journey.

When I worked with in the funeral business, death was described as an individual moving out of his / her house. Our bodies are what houses’ our soul and the spirit that God breathed into our being. So when my Dad passed away, he moved out of his house and passed into life eternal.

For those of us who believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is a reminder of our faith. Faith in Christ’s finished work on Calvary’s cross-provided triumph over death and the power of the grave. As He triumphed over death and the power of the grave, He provided hope to those who would believe {Read the Gospel of John in the New Testament for more details}. Although we may die, like my Dad did on January 10, we can have hope in the resurrection of the dead. Because of our faith, my family knows that someday, we will see Dad again.

Easter can also be representative to some as the beginning of spring. Spring is a time of rebirth and abundance. Possibilities, like flowers are in abundance. As the flower blooms, it’s sweet fragrance can be valued and appreciated. And so it is with our lives. Choice provides the potential and our willingness opens the door to enjoy and prosper. Our decision will provide the motivation that directs our attitude. Our attitude will in turn determine how we see and experience our world.

Attitude

I am learning that my limitations do not have to be reasons for sadness. Instead, they can lead me to a place of acceptance that can be used for my good. When I am sick or bedridden, taking time to rest may become a tremendous gift. So many things pass me by when I am not taking time to rest. I have also discovered another rich truth. Many matters that are out of my control, are really gifts in disguise. The beauty in this spiritual awakening provides a simple but a profound truth. How I chose to interpret my circumstances will significantly impact the quality of my life.

If I decide to look for the hidden opportunity, a new zest for living will be found. The eyes of my heart, once darkened by negative perceptions, will be opened to see fresh possibilities. Rather than being angry at my circumstances, I will learn to use them to my advantage.

I have come to appreciate the meaning of this quote, “If you do not like something, change it, if you can not change it, change the way you think about it.”

I am not suggesting or inferring that we not be sad or frustrated by events that are out of our control. On the contrary, I believe that grieving is very healthy and an essential component to our healing process. There is no right or wrong way to grieve a loss, no specific time schedules. It just takes what it takes. So let yourself be sad and angry for a time and when you are ready, remember, changed attitudes can aid recovery — one day at a time.

Happy Easter to All!

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