On the other hand, I did not proceed to Ireland of my own accord until I was almost giving up, but through this I was corrected by the Lord, and he prepared me so that today I should be what was once far from me, in order that I should have the care of—or rather, I should be concerned for—the salvation of others, when at that time, still, I was only concerned for myself.
Patrick, 390-461 BC, Confession, 28, (Christian Ethereal Library, p. 12)
How important is our attitude in serving God? How can we acquire the right attitude?
“People who are too optimistic seem annoying. This is an unfortunate misinterpretation of what an optimist really is.
ReplyDeleteAn optimist is neither naive, nor blind to the facts, nor in denial of grim reality. An optimist believes in the optimal usage of all options available, no matter how limited. As such, an optimist always sees the big picture. How else to keep track of all that’s out there? An optimist is simply a proactive realist.
An idealist focuses only on the best aspects of all things (sometimes in detriment to reality); an optimist strives to find an effective solution. A pessimist sees limited or no choices in dark times; an optimist makes choices.
When bobbing for apples, an idealist endlessly reaches for the best apple, a pessimist settles for the first one within reach, while an optimist drains the barrel, fishes out all the apples and makes pie. Annoying? Yes. But, oh-so tasty!”
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
Interesting perspective. I like the idea of G. K. Chesterton that what is needed is neither pessimism or optimism, but cosmic patriotism. The pessimist often just sits on the sidelines and complains. The optimist may be willing to slur over real problems in an attempt to remain positive. But the cosmic patriot will have a loyalty that loves things and works to change them, no matter how bad they get.
DeleteBut there are many different perspectives on the subject.