Orrin Woodward has always taught me that hurting people hurt. I am reminded often as I am out in the world that there are many hurting people. Just in the last few days as I was walking through Walmart every conversation I heard was complaining about something or as I parked my car I witnessed road rage, and later I witnessed the anger and frustration of someone's life taken out through impatience and rudeness. All of these in just the last few days!
It seems that everywhere I turn I am seeing these examples. I don't know if it is happening more often or if I am just paying attention more, probably a little of both. I then wondered how often I have shown that type of behavior.
After coming home last night and having the opportunity to see yet another example up close and personal of the hurt in this world, I couldn't shake the feeling I had. After a sleepless night and feelings of sadness and frustration I realized that the issue is not that it happens so often, because I can't control that, but what I do about it, what I can control. And what I can do about it is how I react. I have heard Gandhi's words many times, be the change you want to see in the world!
You can't change people but you can be an example for them. The amazing information from the LIFE business teaches how to be the change by being the example. The question is, are we applying?
The more examples of fantastic attitudes, smiling faces, and serving hearts people see may just invite others to turn away from hurting and focus on first counting their own blessings and then on being a blessing to others. I choose to be part of this group, the group that knows the blessings they have and strives to be an example for others. I don't want to part of the problem but part of the solution.
Smile at someone today, greet people with kind words, open a door for someone, show them your amazing attitude, go above and beyond, and show people an example that will be the change you want to see in the world.
God Bless!
Marc
Great words for all, Marc. I know that it hits home for me. Thanks for your leadership.
ReplyDeleteMarc, Thank you for your blog post. I am so thankful to be part of a community where being part of the solution is encouraged, talked about, taught and modeled. I am learning how rare it is to be among people who seek to value others and be their best selves. As I associate with the LIFE community, I'm truly inspired to work on myself to become part of the solution.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful LIFE came into my life. So often I would play the victim and be like everyone else - sarcastic, unhappy, miserable, and trying to "keep up with the Jones'". But through the LIFE information, I am changing my outlook, becoming more praising and giving grace, happy, less miserable, and finding "the Girard's" aren't so bad after all!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you have done, encouraging at just the right time!
Marc... Thank you for leading by EXAMPLE! You not only model a great attitude, you also have taught me more about "reframing" my thinking about a situation better than anyone else on the planet!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT Blog article!!!
Marc,
ReplyDeleteYou and Kristine are doing just that. I was just puzzling over a book today and couldn't wait to sit down with you so I could figure out how to apply it. You are definitely modeling and giving others hope that they can be an example for someone too!! Keep fighting the good fight you are making a huge difference!!!
Thank you!!!