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That question from a familiar tv commercial indicates the importance of what kind of credit card we choose to carry. But, more important, is what kind of things we allow to influence us.
I was reminded this week of how we're influenced by the books we read, the television we watch and the people we hang out with. This week I've been reading A Hole In Our Gospel. It's a book by Richard Stearns, the president of World Vision. As I wrote my book review today, I realized how my views, my sensitivities to world hunger and poverty had changed a bit, just in the reading of a few words on several pages. In looking back over the past week I realized how little I had watched television, particularly the news. And I had carefully chosen who I shared my lunch hours with. Could these be the reasons that, in looking back, I feel I've had a very good week?
What's influencing you today? Are you reading material that will have a positive or a negative impact on you? What are you watching on television? Do you need to turn off the news in order to feel better inside each day? Who are you spending your time with? Do your friends encourage you or discourage you?
This morning I read an email from a friend who is having some difficulties: health problems of her own, taking care of an elderly parent with dementia. Plus she works outside the home full time, leaving little time for herself. Interestingly, in her email, she concluded with how much she appreciates enduring friendships. My friend has found that, although she has valid reasons for allowing negativity to creep in, she can focus on the positive aspects of her life.
Granted, while we can switch to a different credit card, we can't eliminate every negative influence in our lives. We may have to work with negative co-workers, perform less-than-joyfilled tasks. However, by taking stock of our lives in this area: Influences, we can see what the positive and negative impacts are and make small but life-transforming changes.
Much joy,
Jean
www.jeanbaileyrobor.com
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