Overflowing Cups

I think it’s important to be able to look at ourselves honestly. But it’s also important to hear the viewpoint of what others think about us as well, as long they are people we respect. So, I’m wondering... Is your opinion of yourself the most important thing, or are other people’s opinions more important?

At this time of year, a lot of our family members drive up to a large cabin in Lake Arrowhead to celebrate Easter. The group can range from 12-16 people and despite the close quarters and utter chaos at times, we usually have a blast. This year was different though…

I’m not saying we didn’t have a blast because we did. For one thing, we ate really well, mainly because we took turns cooking awesome gourmet meals. We also played lots of board games, watched movies, shot pool and played cornhole, went on hikes, and visited an arboretum. Easter morning, I made biscuits and gravy as usual and offered up a short but heartfelt prayer to God for his grace, sacrifice, and blessings.  But it was my wife that made this trip different than any other.

Debby is a very caring person and a loving wife, but she is also clever and thoughtful. Easter morning she set out 14 cups, each labeled with a different family member’s name. After a hearty breakfast, Debby announced that the paper cups are “Positive Affirmation Cups”. Not knowing what the heck she meant, we asked, “What up with the cups? She said, “If you feel it in your heart to say something nice about a family member, write it down and put it in their cup.” Of course, my first thought was, “Oh Man, I hope I don’t end up with an empty cup!” My second thought was, “Wow! What a great way to show people some love.”

I have often wished that I could see myself the way others see me because I know I could learn a lot from both the good and the bad comments. In fact, to give an analogy, I recently decided to take golf lessons at Golftec where they have state of the art video equipment. I thought I had a solid grip, great stance and fairly smooth swing. After seeing myself on video and hearing what the instructor had to say, I discovered that I suck! I had at least 10 things wrong and yet, my view of myself was very different.

I guess the only way to know how we are really doing in life is to take an honest look at ourselves and then be humble enough to blend in what others think about us as well. The picture may not always be pretty, but honest self-reflection can bring major improvement. Plus, who knows, one positive affirmation card given out at just the right moment, might change someone else’s life for the better!

P.S. In response to the opening question above… No matter what we think of ourselves, or what others may think about us, we should always remember that there is someone up above who always thinks highly of us! That thought alone filled my positive affirmation cup to overflowing!

I have the power to create change in my life... 

and in the lives of others.

~ Ruby Fremon