Optimism vs. Pessimism

By Sheri Cobb

When I run I like to think. I don't listen to music but instead I ponder things in my personal life. I have also written novels, movie scripts and plays all while running. I am a bit competitive so 5k races are something I enjoy. During road races I try to stay focused and not let me creative side take over. It is not the time to watch the flowers bloom and think what a pretty picture they would make. I contemplate how quickly I can pass that flower patch. I also see lots of new and interesting people. Here's a little secret. I give these people names to motivate myself. My names are not necessarily original. For example, I may tell myself to pass the little girl with pig tails that I affectionately named, “Piggy.” I was once passed by a guy with bright orange shoes that I was forever trying to catch so he became “Lightning”. Once the gun went off and a gentleman next to me immediately ripped off his shirt to begin. He had no business being scantily clad and I tried to keep as far ahead of “Hairy Man” as I could.

Nicknames often jump into my head based upon actions or comments. For example, my kids have some names from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I have a Grumpy, a Happy and a Thoughtful. I also have a Pokey, a Stinky and a Smiley. When I was running around the track yesterday I passed two teenage girls. I gave my common greeting, “Hello ladies.” One of the girls smiled from ear to ear and reciprocated, “Hello Mrs. Cobb.” Her response was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy afternoon. I noticed her optimism as well as her perfect teeth. Why is it some people see the glass half full while others are half empty? This girl was definitely an optimist. I felt it. It sure encouraged me. I named her “Cheerful” and continued on my way.

I think about life and wonder if I am like “Cheerful” and if others are as well. An old pastor used to comment, “Why do Christians always look like they are sucking lemons?” He went on to add that the Christians should not have permanent scowls etched on their faces. We have too much to be joyous about. We are on the winning team. We have been bought for a price. We have everlasting life. We have the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We have Jesus in heaven praying and interceding for us even now. What could cause more true joy? I know life is hard and some feel like they are walking through the valley of the shadow of death right now. I'm not asking you to fake it. I am asking those who have it going well to not major in the minors but instead to remember their position in Christ and put a smile their faces. Maybe this will encourage someone who feels he has nothing to be cheerful about. I am working on teaching this to my kids. “Don't complain when we don't get exactly what we want. We still have it pretty good so remember Jesus and choose to view things through God's eyes,” I've been telling them. Our glasses are not just half full, as Christians they are overflowing!