30 seconds and 4 complaints

Here's a story of a lady I encountered yesterday at the sinks of a public bathroom.

I noticed her because she loudly exclaimed at how hot the water was and how it was practically burning her hands.  (There was two handles, one for hot and one for cold and they were true to their labels.)

She then said that's silly because the air conditioning is so cold in this place she's shivering.

Then she noted irritably that her pants match the carpeting in that place.  (She was wearing bright red corduroy pants)

The door to the bathroom was propped open and she commented at how stupid that was.

I knew this lady for a total of 30 seconds.  I walked away pondering the power of words and the power of our attitudes.

Our words reflect so much of who we are and how we see life. I tried to consider how I would react if I were in her place and thought those same things.  Would I comment about the freezing air conditioning and the doorstop in the bathroom door? Or would I just think it?  Is thinking it just as bad?  Sometimes I do look around and only notice what can be fixed or what someone did wrong.  Maybe I don't verbalize it-- but it's in my heart.

Those 30 seconds and 4 complaints reminded me to not be that woman. Maybe she was just having a bad day (or a bad 30 seconds at least...). But I don't want to leave an impression on strangers that shows that I am ungrateful or negative.  I want choose to see the positive in things.  Ultimately, I am working to be a reflection of my Creator.  It is definitely a training of the mind and an exercise or discipline to practice.  So... this week I will be practicing to see the positive  :)