Friday, December 03, 2010

Lessons From the Edge

Acknowledge the negative, but dwell on the positive.

This lesson doesn't really need any explanation, does it?

Even so, because I am a writer and story-teller, it's nearly impossible for me to let anything go without an explanation. *sheepish grin*

I was having a difficult day(s) this week at work. (My emotions/hormones have been playing crazy games with me lately and I am finding myself more prone to tears than usual.) Anyway - in the midst of that 'stuff' I was busy trying to get things done at work, when a resident told me I'd forgotten to include her in the birthday list in the December newsletter. She seemed hurt, and I felt terrible. And I began grumbling to myself about how I could have missed her name.
There were other things besides the newsletter, and I was sinking deeper and deeper.
Then I thought, Wait a minute! Am I not getting anything right? True, I missed one birthday, but what about everything else on those six pages that is as it should be? Doesn't that count for anything???
Honestly, I started making a list in my head of all the things I did right. Because I felt so rotten when I focused on what was wrong.

Then I had a mom moment. I realized I am much too quick to point out the things my children have done wrong - or simply haven't done - without giving much attention to the things they've done well.
And that needs to change!
So I am taking this Lesson From the Edge, and I am bringing it home. I will continue to correct the wrong behavior, but I want to be sure to build my children up by dwelling on the things they're doing right!

Karen

10 comments:

TheUnSoccerMom said...

I look forward to reading your posts. You are such a blessing!!!

Anonymous said...

Great lesson! I will carry these words in my thought closet. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings my friend,
Debby Ann

Nichole said...

Great reminder for us moms...our children need to be lifted up and encouraged! Thank you!

Karen Hossink said...

Jodi - Thank you. *blush*

Debby Ann - Yes. It is good to be selective about the things we allow in our thought closets!

Nichole - And we moms need it, too. Amen?

Angie Muresan said...

That second half of the last sentence should be written in block letters on my refrigerator, because I have been forgetting lately.

Karen Hossink said...

Angie - Do you need a magnet to hang that sign on the fridge? Cuz I have extras. *wink*

Edie said...

God always speaks to my circumstances when I come over here (or maybe He sends me because of them). :)

Karen Hossink said...

Edie - He's good that way. Always in the details and proving His love for us! :)

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Oh, so true! I do that. I'll start saying "I can't do anything right." Need to focus on being joyful and verses.

Karen Hossink said...

Sherry - Yes. It's so easy to slip into that mode. Gotta keep our focus UP!