When I was growing up, we used to sometimes speak judgmentally about people with “an attitude.” You know who I’m talking about. Those girls who dressed cute and had their noses up in the air. Or the boy who wouldn’t speak to you and often rushed past because he was “too good” to visit with the girl who lived in “the projects.” Or how about that sister who came in late and was immediately summoned to the parents’ bedroom (always conveniently situated by the front door)? She seemed to emerge from those meetings with “an attitude,” refusing to share the details of her encounter with the nosy baby sisters. Sis only shared her attitude.
Well, now that I have some years and experiences in my Coach bag, briefcase, and mommy duffle bag, I realize that attitude can be a good thing. In fact, maybe those girls and boys didn’t have a bad attitude. Maybe that girl was blessed and knew it and walked with confidence. It’s possible that the little boy was told to keep it moving, not talk to girls, and stay focused on his classes. Maybe we were being a tad judgmental. Okay, big sister did have “an attitude,” so I’m not changing my thoughts on that one. The girl was in trouble, busted, and mad about it.
Anyway, today I admit that I too have an attitude! A serious one. It’s an attitude of gratitude. And I’m giving you permission to have one too.
Being mindful of what they used to say during church testimony service (“You can’t tell it all”), let me just give you the very short list of what’s behind this grateful attitude of mine:
Happy Thanksgiving, people with your attitudes! I am so blessed to be on this planet, moving about the cabin doing life with you. Tell me what’s behind your attitude!