My donut principle

At the end of an Italian exam, my teacher told me the following in his native tongue: "If you feel sad, a little sad, be positive! Think positively because God has given you much talent!" I was surprised at his words and thanked him. Those words couldn’t have come at a better moment.

How did my Italian teacher, whom I only see at the end of the week, know that I had been struggling these days with darkened thoughts and needing to be more positive?

I consider myself a generally positive person and lots of people tell me that is part of who they know me to be. But lately, oh that’s a different story. You know when you find something wrong with nearly everything and everyone around you, except a few blessed souls? When people become irritating beyond what you thought they could be? And even though they’re doing something insignificant it bothers you? Well it had happened a lot in school, and I had been critical for way too long and it was affecting my interactions with people, my mood and my performance. I was annoyed. I told Jesus to help me and I could see myself slowly progressing.

Then my Italian teacher, with his simple encouraging words, reminded me of the donut principle. And that when I focus on the donut and not on the hole…

1. My perspective shifts from the problems to the solutions and possibilities.

2. I find myself doing things with gusto, remembering what they’re for.

3. I’m happier.

4. I’m able to do more in less time or if not, I simply do a much better job!

6. I don’t shy away from difficulties knowing that I have a great God who can help me learn and rise above them!

7. I face challenges head on.

5. I can give my all, and isn’t that what I want? Life is life and it passes away!

And I’m sure there are countless benefits found from looking on the donut and not on the hole!

Jesus, thank you so much for your heavenly reminders and messengers that work as angels on this Earth. Thank you for my Italian teacher, thank you for knowing me so well and never failing to give me just what I need. Thank you so much for Windy, and how her faith-filled attitide while encountering difficulties encourages my faith! Thank you so much for Sandy, who with her set-on-being-positive-no-matter-what attitude inspires me to do the same! Bless her Jesus, she is such a sample to follow! Did you know she is taking charge of a big house, two sisters, her school work as well as countless details that show up? Yes and looking at the donut and not on the hole. It was great seeing you today, ma cherie!

Best friends have a way to shift your perspective from the ground to the dancing sunlight of Jesus’ strong, everlasting love. Thank you so much Jesus!