Do you measure or do you regulate?
I picked up the boys from school yesterday – well the two younger ones and Adan started to explain to me some extra homework that he was required to do. He said because someone in the class didn’t know what a thermometer was that they all had to do some research.
I took the opportunity, as you do, to teach them a life lesson. I asked Adan and Khari if they knew the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. Their definitions of a thermostat were good but not accurate enough.
Could you define them?
Thermometer – an instrument for measuring temperature
Thermostat – device for automatically regulating temperature
Anyway I proceeded to share with them the uses of both the thermometer and the thermostat but then asked them which one they would like to be. We had a healthy discussion after that.
I will ask you the same question but in a slightly different way. Do you live your life as a thermometer just measuring the temperature out there or are you more of a thermostat where you actually regulate your environment?
My challenge to you this month is to make a conscious decision in as many areas as is possible to become the thermostat. When you enter an environment that is negative or charged why not be the person to change it. When everyone is complaining about cuts in spending, losing jobs, why not be the person to take charge and look for the opportunities that are always around in this climate.
You see in life we can look at the current climate and become a thermometer just reporting on what is happening or we can take a decision to change the temperature. We all go through many different challenges in life – if work and church are good then perhaps a family member will be ill. If health is good then maybe it is finances. Issues are common to life and there is always something to deal with, but you don’t have to sit back and accept.
You can decide, focus, take action and make a difference.
As we enter the last two months of the year we really want to close out with a bang. Please remember what happens for most of us in December we start to wind down very early on and give up before we hit the finish line. Let us all push this month for the best month of the year – dust off your journals, revisit your ideal day and purpose statement. Decide that you will set the temperature for all those around you, changing your spiritual, physical, financial and relational environments.
Speak good, do justice and walk in the way of righteousness.
God Bless
