Life isn't always like we envisioned, in fact, it almost never is.
To use an old saying: there is most always "a fly in the ointment." Not familiar with that old idiom? Well, Wikipedia says:
" . . . a drawback, especially one that was not at first apparent; something that has a small defect that spoils value; or something that is a source of annoyance." link
I was surprised to see that Wikipedia said the likely source of this phrase was King Solomon of the Bible and found in Ecclesiastes 10:1.
Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. ESV
The point of my Sabbatical time is to find the positive, and not concentrate on the fly. Staying in the positive is difficult for some of us. Especially me, since I have an analytic mind. I seem to size up a situation quickly and start processing what to do to "remove the fly". To be "all in" the positive of a situation is a skill I'm learning.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil 4:8 ESV
So, my time away, is a time of purpose, one of focusing on the positive--staying on the high side of the road--not falling into the old ruts. And a re-filling of the ruts in my mind, so to speak.
How about you?
A positive outlook is always a good tool :)
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of an old, old song:
ReplyDeleteYou've got to accentuate the positive
eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
But don't mess with mister in between.