“Say yes, and you’ll figure it out afterward.” – Tina Fey
As I walk into the shop a gentleman looks over his glasses and without any greeting proceeds with his typing. I approach the counter in my cheeriest voice and I say, “Hi there! How’s it going?” After a momentary pause, without looking up the man responds in the most non enthusiastic voice, “You need something?” Fighting off an incredible urge to make a snarky comment – How about a little customer service?…better angels prevail as I begin to describe what I would like to do with my truck.
Interrupting me after about 15 seconds into it, “I’m really busy…not certain what you’re wanting to do is something I could do, well I could, but you probably aren’t going to like it…(insert a half a dozen other negative responses).” And with that, I thank him for his time and walk out.
Ten minutes later as I’m just one foot in the door of another shop a jovial voice greets me, “Hey there – how’s your day?” Without even thinking I respond with a smile on my face, “I believe it’s just about to get a whole lot better!”
Proceeding to share my vision for what I am hoping to do with my truck the fella behind the counter listens intently until I finish and then responds, “What a great idea!” He then continues to ask me clarifying questions and offers me additional possibilities.
No or yes..problem or possibility…pessimism or optimism…conclusive or creative…scarcity or abundance?
One of the books that has been most influential in my life was written by my grandfather-in-law, Brooks Plummer Smith, titled Travels of a Layman. Based on John 10:10, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. His endearing stories of his families’ travels and travails are filled with inspiring anecdotes about choosing to embrace life, regardless with what comes your way, with optimism and gratitude.
“One holy man who came to visit me recently put it this way, ‘We must listen to what is supporting us. We must listen to what is encouraging us. We must listen to what is urging us. We must listen to what is alive in us.’” – Richard Rohr
BP