The PETCO in Concord, NC is raising baby lories. They have to hand feed them everyday. A grown Lori is a beautiful bird, and a great pet. The babies are an unbelievable sight. I thought something was wrong when I first saw them. Their feathers are uneven and their appearance is awkward. There are only a few signs of the beautiful birds they will become.
I met a guy who, three years ago, I would have probably not thought much of. He was going through rough times, and being hit from every side. He has fought hard to work himself back. He never gave up. I am so ashamed of myself for ever judging anyone. It is amazing how people change. How someone can make an influence in their life. All we need is something, or someone to latch onto. All we need is encouragement.
I can't tell you how many times I hear folks say, "you can't change people", or "people never change." Yet, they believe themselves capable of change. Don't we as Christians put heavy emphasis on this belief? Why are we constantly dismissing the abilities of those around us? Why do we focus on the ugly of mankind? We salivate at the thought of damage we would inflict on the guy that cut us off in traffic. We immediately forget the lady that held the elevator for us. We have a tendency to grasp tightly the unkind elements of our brothers and sisters, while using a sifter for the good. Sifting out the good with excuses of hidden meaning.
Lately, I have been encouraged. I find myself looking for the good, and it is there. I am trying to smile on others. Sounds corny? You bet, and I love it. A smile is one of the first things a baby does, and it is contagious. One book suggests that a baby's smile is what makes a parent willing to get up every night to cries of unhappiness. That baby's smile. It identifies friend from foe, and you can't fake it (at least not convincingly).
Not sure where this was intended to go. Simple. Don't judge a book by its cover. Have faith in your fellow man. Lend him a helping hand. Put a little love in your heart.
Try positivity (My own word. I enjoy it. Just like strategery.)
Diary of a Mad Black Woman was already taken.
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5 comments:
This is good, Jon. I agree that when people focus on the negative, it brings their outlook on life down, and rarely affects others. It only hurts yourself to dwell in negativity. I have been wondering how to be more positive and outgoing. I think we coast along with our natural personalities and never reach our full potential to be people of influence.
I really enjoy your posts.
I've been a bit disenchanted with humankind lately. Instead of thinking that everyone is good deep down inside, I think everyone is an #$@hole deep down inside.
I need to strive to see the good in everyone. I needed to hear this post. Thanks, Lamb.
Hear, hear on the smiling thing!
A word of caution, though. Smiles don't communicate so well to Rhesus monkeys and many breeds of dogs. They think you're trying to bare your teeth to challenge their dominance. Usually, the dogs don't react so negatively, but the monkeys tend to fling dung and shake the chain link fence in your face. Just thought you needed to know that, since you might encounter one in the aisles of your store. Rhesus don't play.
Mark,
Great info arriving too late I am afraid. I was attacked by a pack of Rhesus monkeys and dogs (fighting in unison). Covered in dung and bite marks, I ran for my life. I slipped on the dung, and feared my doom. I prepared myself for my last fight only to be saved at the last minute by a rogue squadron of lories. It was clash equal to WWII, but I feel pretty good now. Thanks.
Jon, you have become quite the poet lately. I am amazed at what a smile can do in a crowded high school hallway. Nice job. You are a great addition to my daily post stop.
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