The Domino Effect

Have you ever noticed that different people generate different reactions out of you?  People who are calm and quiet tend to make you also feel calm.  Others who are sad can bring you down while the so-called Pollyannas of the world can boost your spirits.

I’ve been to enough doctor’s appointments in the last couple of years to hear, “It’s all part of the aging process.”   Grrr…..  Hear that a few times and you want to punch someone.

But, I’ve learned a few things along the way.  Being old, my friends are also old – most of them older than I, although that’s changing.  I am surrounded by people going through this “aging process”.  Some of the issues they are facing are difficult, to put it mildly.  But, the interesting thing is observing how they each deal with their specific calamity.  Some struggle and complain and fight every step.  They make decisions as if nothing has changed which is not only unrealistic but forces them to demand a lot from those around them.  Others work to improve but recognize their limitations and are grateful for whatever aid they get.

The Bible says we are to love – even the unlovable – and serve, putting others ahead of ourselves.

Yet, just as people you associate with rub off on you, so do attitudes and approaches.  The domino effect kicks in:  visit one to encourage and minister and come away feeling ministered to; visit the other and leave frustrated and down.

There’s a lesson here.  When difficulties befall me, which one do I want to be?

“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up…”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

“But, encourage one another day after day…”  (Hebrews 3:13)