Over the course of the last week I was reminded of the power of positive influence that I can have.  We all have the choice to either reflect God’s light of love to a dark world or to reflect the qualities of this lost world that we live in.  Let me share my two reminders with you then speak a bit about why I choose the power of positive:

Last week our family had the great opportunity to spend some time together on one of our annual excursions.  Every year we make a pilgrimage to the other side of the metroplex for the State Fair of Texas.  Our daughter’s school had a day off and I took a day off from work to spend some quality time with my young family.  We always have a great time, and thanks to my thrifty wife it doesn’t cost us an arm and a leg.

The photo I posted on Facebook.

I posted a favorite photo from the day on Facebook to share something fun and positive on that powerful social media platform.  The photo of our family with Big Tex received a normal number of ‘likes’ and comments from friends and relatives who have a special interest in our family  But here is why I bring all this up… the next day a young man left this comment – “There’s a face I have never seen not smiling! Miss ya Jon”  This young man attended another church in the area and we would see each other from time to time at various youth events.  He now lives out of state, is married, and living the adult life.  Have you ever thought about how greeting everyone with a sincere smile can make a lasting impression?  I am thankful to my Dad who taught (and still teaches) me the importance of a solid handshake, sincere smile, and genuine interest in everyone I meet.

The second reminder…  My wife and I were blessed to be able to attend the CALLED conference that was hosted by a local church this past weekend.  It was a time of encouragement and education with some excellent speakers and teachers.  I was sitting in a session when I was asked to share some of the things I have been writing about on this blog and through the Dinnertime Devotionals series.  I appreciated the offer to talk about DadisLearning.com but was humbled to hear others in the room talk about how they have been using the Dinnertime Devotionals series and some of my posts with their own families and congregations.  How cool is that?!?

I don’t bring up these two examples to ‘puff’ myself up or to brag.  I bring them up because they are just two examples of the power of positive in my life.  It is good to be surrounded by sincere, hard-working, loving folks who have dedicated themselves to reflecting God’s love…no matter what.  Through their words and actions they seek to encourage fellow Christians and others to come along with them as they strive to get to heaven.  I am thankful for all the ‘encouragers’ I have in my life and I am thankful that I can be an encouragement to others.

Like everyone, I have my detractors, who are welcome to their opinion.  I have found that most who criticize are simply looking to elicit a reaction.  Over time I have learned that arguing with some of these folks is like arguing with our 2 year-old.  If she has made her mind up that the sky is pink and the clouds are made of cat fur, there is no convincing her otherwise.  It is better to smile and move along.

I have been learning more and more how the power of positive keeps one in control.  When we feel that we must constantly react to the latest controversy, we are drawn away from our game plan.  A reactionary stance keeps you on a weak footing where it is easy to get knocked down.  This is true for individuals and organizations.  We must have a plan, stay focused on it, and keep heading down the path that leads to our goal.

Appreciate honest criticism and those who offer it.  Appreciate those who reflect God’s light of love and hope into your life.  Embrace children and their purity, energy, and creativity.  Study, pray, and meditate often so that you can be the light to those you know and to those who you don’t even realize you are reaching.  The power of positive always prevails.

Ever wondered where the power of positive comes from?  It comes from God’s Word.  This life is temporary but leads to a lasting home of peace and joy.  The Dinnertime Devotionals series is my effort to help my family and yours as we strive together to teach our children about God and His overwhelming love.  I hope you use and enjoy Dinnertime Devotionals 35.