Stinkin' Thinkin'

The other day, I introduced Oliver to one of the great joys from my childhood . . . Zig Ziglar. If you don't know who that is, he is a motivational speaker who created music for kids with positive messages. His songs were all about succeeding in life, making good choices, having great attitudes, being a winner, etc. I loved my Zig Ziglar tape! Seriously, I LOVED my Zig Ziglar tape!! I honestly think it's part of the reason I turned out to be such a crazy optimist. Even as a kid, I loved being positive, and Zig Ziglar knew just how to "pump me up" with inspiration. Our family listened to his tape, "See You at The Top", over and over in the car when we took road trips. I knew every line of every song. Songs like, "Don't Kick the Cat", "Goodbye, Mr. Mediocrity", "Don't Be Flaky Like the Biscuit", "Stop the Stinkin' Thinkin'", and "Dr. M.Y. Self". (Makes you want to borrow my tape, doesn't it?!)
So, the other day, when we were on a small road trip, Jarrod and I gave Oliver his first "Zig Ziglar experience". It was great! My first time to really pass something from my childhood on to my child. Something with meaning, hope, optimism, and worth. And, you know what? I'm pretty sure he liked it!! I suspect he'll be singing the words before long, just like his mommy!

The motivational blast from the past got me thinking. . . It's really important to me to begin, even this early on in his life, to fill Oliver's mind with good things. I want him to be positive even when times are tough. And, boy have times been tough lately. We all go through times like that at some point. Times when discouragement sets in. Times when people let you down. Times when the future is uncertain and the present is unbearable. Times when it would be easy, even understandable, to fill our minds with bitterness and negative thinking. But, instead of getting bogged down with the injustices of life, I am choosing to fill my mind with Christ. With His love. With His promises. And, with His power. As I heard one time, we need to focus less on the mountain and more on the mountain mover! JESUS IS ABLE. I'm going to fill my mind with that thought. And, if that doesn't stop "stinkin' thinkin'" I don't know what will!