Thinking about positive thinking

    Today's the day to flip over calendar pages. On one of ours, the November quote repeats that principle so often presented and hashed over on television shows. It goes something like this. If we send out positive thoughts we'll have an effect on the world around us. Then somehow positive results will flow back to us.

   It made me think of times when I've faced a challenge and a friend would say, "Well, I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you," or, "I'm sending positive energy your way."

    Every time I truly am glad they care about me and wish me well. It's good to be loved.

    Still, that calendar quote set me to wondering whether the theory makes sense. Do any of us  possess the power to "activate the world" around us?"                                        

    Well, yes … and no. Maybe like me, you grew up hearing your mother say, "If you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you."

    Sometimes it seemed the other kids hadn't grasped that wisdom, but usually Mom's wisdom worked. Or at least, it helped. We moved several times during my growing-up years, so I'd find myself the "new kid" once again. There was nothing to do but grit my teeth and quiet my knocking knees, then paste on a shaky smile and trudge off to school.  

    Positive thinking isn't a new concept. Books presenting that same theory have been around for years. Way back in 1938, Napoleon Hill wrote the book, Think and Grow Rich, which is about the "law of attraction." Ever since, writers and speakers keep finding inventive ways to say it. (Then they get interviewed on talk shows, like "Oprah!")

    That agrees with old sayings we've all heard, like, "Good neighbors make good eighbors." "Treat others with respect and you'll be respected." "What you give out, you'll get back." Etc.

    Actually, the thinking goes back even further than the Thirties. Some wise person said everything we label "new wisdom" can be found in the Bible. Consider these:

    Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  –Galatians 6:7

    So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.  –Matthew 7:12

    I think I'll stick with the wisdom of Scripture, because frankly, I'm not sure I want to rely on myself and my own power. I don't trust my ability to "send out positive thoughts," so as to "activate the world around" me. I need something–someone–bigger than me. Maybe that's why one of my favorite verses comes from Matthew 19:26: With God all things are possible. 

    That reassures me far more than counting on myself. How about you?

    Here's to sorting it out and knowing what to believe in,

    Lenore

    Your comments welcomed!