You Can Control Two Things

I think all of us can agree that the circumstances in which we are currently living – global pandemic, social distancing, COVID-19 – are well beyond our control. That is more like an understatement. I do not think any of us could have imagined experiencing this nor could we have imagined how it has tested our wherewithal. These are truly strange times we are experiencing.

I think John Maxwell hit it on the head when he reminds us that we cannot control our circumstances yet we can control our character. Character is who we are when no one is looking. It is what we do when there is no way anyone will find out. It is how we handle ourselves, our money, our time and our emotions when we are the only one who will know what went on behind the isolation.

I remind myself that I can only control two things, my actions and my attitude. Everything else is not my circus not my monkeys. I remind myself that I can choose how I want to behave, what I want to do, and who I want to do it with. Those choices reveal my character. We are all in life where we have chosen to be, want a different life then make different choices. If I want to be a different person than who I am today I need to make different choices that will lead me to where I want to go.

These days will not last forever. These days will have an impact on us for the rest of our lives. Knowing those two things what do you want to do today that will impact your future? What do you want badly enough that you are willing to make a change today? And who needs a better you tomorrow than the one you are today? Your life, your family, your livelihood and your community need you to be a person of character. Choose today who you want to be and act accordingly. Don’t let your circumstances get you down!