Color me

I like color. Color that is vibrant, deep, rich. I like how color affects and changes how we perceive things. I like how color elicits feelings and emotions. With imaging technology as close as our phone, we can take photos and transform them to convey stories that can provoke passion in people, trigger delightful- or painful memories for others and even cause some to spring to action. The way a photo contains – or does not contain color affects how we experience the photo, how we see it, what we think about it and how we feel about it.

Attitude is like color. It shades how we see things, people, and situations. It is how we choose to view the world. If one is looking at life through the lens of Eeyore, things will not just appear dark and dismal, but one will assume that the darkness and miserableness will overtake them and leave them to drown in a pool of despair. I work with such a person and I find their constant “Woe is me” attitude hard to handle. Everything out of her mouth is negative and depressing. I avoid her every chance I can – because being around her feels sad and powerless– always. And it doesn't make sense to me. She has raised 6 successful children, has 7 cute grandbabies, but even when she speaks of them, sour, bitter and adverse words spew from her mouth. But the saddest part of her dark color is, she can't even see the good when it is gift wrapped and handed to her.

“Oh, Susan, here, take a look at my youngest grandbaby! Isn’t he adorable? I would have had more pictures to show you but my daughter-in-law wouldn’t let me hold him, so I only have these three.”

“Susan, did I tell you my husband won a 7 day Caribbean cruise? Now, you know, I’ll have to take off time from work. And at the busiest time of the year too. I’m sure my principal will have a fit .  There is no way I will ever get caught up”

“Hey – I brought donuts for everyone. I hope you enjoy them. I can’t eat that stuff. I have problems with my blood sugar and my weight. I would just make myself sick.”

However, on the opposite side, if one has the eyes of Pollyanna – where everything is perfect, things will not just appear bright and sappy, but one will assume that beauty and joy will overtake everything, leaving them to swim in an ocean of Nirvana – and that everyone else should be floating right along with them.

“She had a miscarriage? Oh well, she’s young, she can have another.” 

“He got laid off? Well God’s just giving him time to be with his family.” 

“She has chronic pain and can’t get off the couch? Wow – how wonderful to have all of that free time to read books!”

I do not want to live life looking through lenses that are tinted with darkness – or overexposed to unrealistic brightness.  I cannot clearly see to act or respond to those around me if I view life through either extremes.  It is true that God wants us to live happy joyful lives

 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" - John 10:10 NLT

And it is equally true that we live in a fallen world with real pain and real sorrow.

"I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain" - Psalm 73:14 NLT

But knowing the God who is in control, and knowing that He will be with us in all things.

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride ... The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold." - Psalm 46:1-3, 7 NASB

gives us the ‘right’ color of attitude to see the world – one that is vibrant, deep and rich!

Linking up with Jackie Sill today from Adventures in the Ordinary! 







- I just couldn't resist messing around with some photos for this blog...it really is fun! :)