No, this isn't about goblins, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night.
No, this isn't about Halloween.
So, why am I writing this post? Well, I just finished a book...that my mind keeps ruminating on....that says a lot about a book. Usually, other than scripture...my mind reads and may remember here and there....but not spend a lot of time pondering the writing. However, that was different this past month and mainly this past weekend, when I finished reading The Energy Bus.
At the beginning of every school year, the staff of our school gathers together for a yummy breakfast (thanks to our high school cafeteria ladies) and some challenges or motivational thoughts from our superintendent. This year, he shared that he had read The Energy Bus and had purchased copies for all of us to read.
A week or so later, the elementary teachers sat at a staff meeting, and our principal handed out copies of the book and a due date to have it finished. The date was September 4th. Now... I LOVE reading. So, I would read a chapter here and a chapter there...then realized on September 1st that I was only on chapter 12.(page 51) and there were 164 pages in the book. When Labor Day began, I knew my tasks for the day: wash the laundry & finish the book!
As I read, I found myself underlining this....marking that....writing in the margins. I realized I was pondering how to use these simple rules to help my classroom, my work, and my life in general maintain a positive attitude and beneficial energy.
When I reached, chapter 18, I was immediately pondering the "Energy Vampires" I run into on my weekly or daily journey. Then, something strange happened. I, Jodi Pflaumer,started having flashbacks of times when I turned into a....VAMPIRE! No, I wasn't ridding anyone of their life-giving blood, but I recalled entering into the world of negativity. I pondered the times that my negative remarks sucked all "positivity" out of a conversation. So, I was convicted of those words...those times when I was the vampire that Jon Gordon's book was warning me about.
That lead me to my next contemplation. Why do generally content people start sucking the positive out of a conversation by spewing negative thoughts? How can I make sure my speech and actions don't take a turn for the worse? What "garlic" can I hang around my neck to keep me safe from vampires?
So....as I thought...various scripture verses and a few cliches started bouncing into the conversation....
Why do generally content people start sucking out the positive?
This was where a cliche screamed at me, "If you lay down with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas." How does this apply? Well, if you are around people who are those "glass half empty" people...their speech and thinking can become yours. You can start allowing yourself to think their perspective is the right perspective. Is it? No. Yes, there are negative things that happen in this life, but each of us has a choice. Will we see that negative as a way to learn, a way to make a difference, and a way for God to receive glory? Or....Will we see it as a way to be hateful towards others, complain about the situation, and think "poor, poor , pitiful me"? I must confess...I've done both. However, I must choose to be positive...even in the midst of negative. Will it be easy? Probably not. But, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)...even choose to be positive.
How can I make sure my speech and actions don't take a turn for the worse?
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8)
Yep, He placed that verse in my heart and mind when I was pondering the above question. If we fix our thoughts on those things that are honorable and pure, then when those negative situations or people try to lure us into the realm of negativity we have something and Someone to overpower it.
What garlic is out there?
Well, along the same lines to my pondering above...His Word.
When we read His Word, meditate on His Word, and dare I say...memorize His Word, then we have "garlic" to fight against the vampires. When life becomes overwhelming, my heart goes to "Be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). When people are mean or hurtful, I'm reminded that God loves me so much He sent His Son (John 3:16). When someone makes me feel like I'm not good enough, pretty enough, fit enough, I remember that He's a friend that loved me so much He gave His life for me (John 15:13). You see, in whatever negative situation we find ourselves, there is a "positive" that can be found in His Word. When those big bad monsters attach you and try to steal your joy, you can call on Romans 8:28 where we're reminded that all things (even those negative, yucky, life-changing things) work together for our good and His glory.
How's that for a chunk of garlic? Hmmm...yes, I just called the Word a chunk of garlic, but I did so with the most respect.
Now, the big question. Why are vampires...vampires?
In the movies, it's not your choice...unless your name is "Bella" and you're "in love" with a vampire. Whatever. I'm talking about Energy Vampires. My simple answer is...they choose to be.
It's a daily choice. Will we choose to be positive, even in the midst of a negative whirlwind...OR will we choose to be negative? What's your choice?
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. [1 Corinthians 10:13]
As for me and my mind & mouth, "we" will flee from negativity...
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. [Ephesians 6:10-18]
