BELLA VISTA — Have you ever wanted to hang up the spikes, cash in, forget the whole thing - just give up? I think we have all experienced that frustration sometime in our lives, some more frequently than others.

As much as we are told to maintain a positive attitude and just keep on trying, sometimes the best option is a change in direction, a different perspective … a new attitude.

A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and carrying his ball and bat. “I’m the greatest hitter in the world,” heannounced.

He then tossed the ball into the air, swung at it and missed.

“Strike One!” he yelled.

Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down, he swung again and missed.

“Strike two!” he said.

The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully.

He spit on his hands and rubbed them together.

He straightened his cap and said once more, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!”

Again, he tossed theball up in the air and swung at it. He missed.

“Strike three! Wow!” he said. “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

What a great attitude! His circumstances hadn’t changed, but his optimistic attitudeprompted him to give an encouraging meaning to what had happened. He didn’t let his failure as a batter stop him; he just became a pitcher.

John C. Maxwell says, “People who have given up are ruled by their darkest mistakes, worst failures and deepest regrets. If you want to be successful, you should be governed by your finest thoughts, your highest enthusiasm, your greatest optimism and your most triumphant experiences.”

I would add to that prayer and faith.

There is probably no better example of a positive attitude and faithin God than the famous story of young David in 1 Samuel, chapter 17.

David was to go up against the Philistine giant. No one thought he had a chance of defeating Goliath, but they had run out of options.

Here is what David said to convince Saul of his chances: “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep.

When a lion or bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivers me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Both of these young men had a positive attitude. David’s was born of faith in his Lord.

Remember, God is able to turn your situation around and give you a whole new outlook - if you just let him.

God bless you and have a great day.

* * *

Jonathan Watson is pastor of the Bella Vista Assembly of God.

Religion, Pages 17 on 10/28/2009

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