I embarked on a slightly different work schedule last Monday. It was not much of a change, in terms of tasks but my hours have changed from days to nights. I continue to work from Sunday - Wedneday but now work from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. I have worked this type of shift before. It is a bit different now because due to reorganization within the company, the workload is less, at least for now! What actually is different this time around is that my approach to the situation has changed. There are several reasons the situation is different.
First, I had been working Sunday's daytime for approximately the past year. As of last Sunday, I was able to attend Worship and partake of the Eucharist together with my family. It has been sometime since I have been able to do so on a regular basis.
Second, my attitude is different. This time I was not put on the night shift because somebody else decided that this should be so. I made a choice. Because I was able to make a choice, I am approaching the night shift differently. This time, as one of my friends has put it, I have the opportunity to bring "Kingdom Moments" to bear on the night shift.
Three, I anticipate that night hours will allow me to spend more effective and quality time working the mission that I am passionate about - being an advocate and mobilizer on behalf of and for children and orphans.
Given all three of these reasons that the situation is different, it seems to me that the most powerful reason is that I decided to approach the situation with a different attitude. I am amazed how much difference a change of attitude makes. In this case, my attitude could be negative. If it was, I am confident that the negativity would come out in my behavior as in "shortness" of speech, curtness in attitude and demeanor, and a general "harshness" towards and around others. This in turn would influence others attitude towards the people they will interact with and effect these others attitude as well. I am determined to not let this happen.
When circumstances are not as we desire, should we be disappointed? Yes, I think so. If we are disappointed, we should express our disappointment in appropriate ways to appropriate people; especially by letting God know of our disappointment. Leaders, especially ones who call themselves Christ followers must vigilantly be aware of our attitude, how it resonates internally, and how it can affect and express itself in relationships.
How have you seen "attitude" express itself in positive or negative ways in your relationship, at home, at work, at play, at mission, or at other?
Paul
