A number of years ago, my wife said to me, “Do you realize the way you wake up in the morning and the attitude you display, sets the tone for our family for the rest of the day?” This wasn’t a compliment…it was a criticism of the negative cycle my morning routine had become…and she was right!
Mind-sets are patterns where your mind automatically operates a certain way. That means you can set yourself up for misery by reacting to the same people and circumstances in the same way, and expecting different results….in essence, you claim to be a victim of your circumstances.
It took courage for my wife to lovingly confront me with constructive criticism that morning. Sometimes it’s easy to ignore the concern or criticism of others — but I took my wife’s words seriously and determined that, if my attitude in the morning was going to set the tone for our family, then I wanted to be a blessing, not a drag on the family….and it worked!
Melody Beattie, in her book, The Language of Letting Go says that: “If you don’t like the same results…try pushing a different button. Look at your relationships. Is there a situation that’s going downhill despite your best efforts? Are you waiting for something to change, instead of doing something different? Stop pushing the same button, and ask God for clarity to see the situation honestly and to act with wisdom and responsibility.”
Ephesians 4:21-23 states:
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind…
You are not a victim of circumstances; you don’t have to stay stuck or keep going round in circles. Paul says, “Put off…your former conduct …and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Husbands and wives, Mom & Dad…the word for you today is: You can change! Why not start now? Let today be the beginning of victory for you and your family.
