January 10th, I sent a quick, late Wednesday message. I asked you to think about the formula E+P=O
Event +Perspective =Outcome (I also said the P could be Positive Energy)
This formula was in the book “The Energy Bus” written by Jon Gordon. (He also spoke at our conference this past November. His faith was evident in his message and in this book.) The story is based on a gentleman named George who has a big project due at work and his negativity at home has caused problems with his marriage. When he goes to leave for work one morning, he realizes he has a flat tire. His wife can’t take him to work and so he must ride the bus. He is not happy about this. But…
On this bus, George meets a unique driver (Joy) and an interesting set of passengers that over the course of two weeks, (his car had other issues) share the 10 rules for the ride of his life and attempt to help him turn around his work and his team as well as save his job and marriage from almost inevitable destruction.
George’s negativity was pervasive in all aspects of his life. Everything that happened to him had a negative spin. Therefore, his outcomes were negative. George even had a hard time seeing that his flat tire was a blessing because the mechanic found a brake defect that could have led to an accident. His perspective was clouded with negativity.
As Don mentioned Sunday, the world is a mess. But he reminded us that God is still in control and if we have the faith of a mustard seed, He will do great things on our behalf. The formula above tells us that HOW we look at events in our lives determines the outcome. Our perspective should be overwhelmingly positive because our sins are forgiven, and we will spend eternity in heaven.
If we want to change the world, our positivity needs to be greater than the negativity of others. This will allow us to be the light He has called us to be.
Shine, Shine, Shine!
Tina