Attitude

I initially intended to focus on work in this post because it's taken up a big chunk of my time within the past few weeks. Then I decided that there's a lot more involved than just work. That's why I decided to focus on "attitude."


According to Google Dictionary, attitude is "A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior." 


A way of thinking about something that's reflected in my behavior. When I'm faced with long hours at a job that is completely (well, almost) new, I find myself focusing so much on the hard stuff that I miss all the parts that make it great. I've been learning a lot this summer- and getting to work on skills that I had meant to (and wanted to) develop for a while. I didn't know how I would go about doing that though, and definitely didn't expect to have a chance to learn those things this summer at the very least. But I do get to this summer! And that's truly a blessing. 


In light of all the good things that I have at work, I feel like I should have a better attitude towards it. Instead of focusing on how hard it is to learn all these things and still get my work done, I could be thankful for the fact that I get to finally learn Solidworks, that I have friends I can bug when I get stuck, and that I get to design things. Oh, and 3D print in neon yellow. Seriously, everything's better when the colors are bright. Instead of complaining about the hours that I put in (totally self-inflicted I'm starting to think, by the way...) I could be thankful that my lab is a place where I feel safe so that I can put in those hours. I could be thankful that I have enough energy and strength to get through the day. Life isn't easy. It can be easier to deal with if my attitude towards hard things is positive. 


Then there's the non-work aspect of life. In spending time with some of my friends who are going through a rough time, I'm starting to really understand our need for community. We need people to lean on and people to support. That's how we grow and I think that's also how we just get through life in general. It's not easy trying to be there and be supportive. I think that's why attitude is also just that important. Unless I, in my heart, am approaching everything with an attitude of thankfulness and bringing everything to God for Him to take care of, I won't be able to handle the pressure. My attitude has to be one of just passing on the love and grace that God gives me instead of trying to come up with it of my own accord. Any love that I try to supply myself won't be the same love that I receive so bountifully from Christ. And as for caring- there's an upper limit and a lower limit of sorts. Here's what I mean. We need to care about others. I think we'll all agree on that. That's the lower limit. But at the same time, I think there's a point at which we can care about someone or something too much and that becomes not only unhealthy, but also unsustainable. We're not perfect, infinite creatures. Only One can care infinitely, and the good news is that He has cared for us that much.