Sunshine and Rain: What a Difference Your Attitude Makes

One morning, I accompanied my client to a doctor's appointment. As I sat in the waiting room, waiting for her visit to be over, a man entered the office. He wore ragged blue jeans, an old shirt, flip-flops, and his head was buried in his cell phone. He looked to be in his forties. When greeted by the receptionist, “Good morning.”

He growled, “Is it?” Then made his way to a seat and went back to gazing down at his cell phone.

Only minutes later the door opened and in walked a woman. She appeared to be in her sixties. She was overweight and laughing as she greeted everyone. “Good morning,” she shared, excited to be in the presence of others just to share her joy. Greeting the receptionist, she asked to see photos of the receptionist’s newborn child. Turning with a warm smile, she made her way to a seat.

I thought, wow, rain walked in and now here comes sunshine. What a difference your attitude makes. Both were called into the examination rooms relatively quickly, but the atmosphere had been affected by both people. He never looked up from his phone, and she never let go of her smile. They both made an impression on me.

After that visit, I became more aware of how I should present myself, especially in public. We may only have that one opportunity to be sunshine to someone. I never saw either of those people again. But they are a part of my memories forever. And I pray he finds peace and joy, and that she keeps her peace and joy, because it is contagious and definitely appreciated.

Prayer:

Father, bless me to bring sunshine to brighten someone’s day. And let me always keep a friendly attitude, even in life's difficulties. As I go about my day, may I always be mindful that my presence is affecting someone else’s life directly or indirectly. Help me make a loving impression that lingers in their hearts and minds, always. And when I come up in their memory, may they praise you for the joy it brings them. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen!