Facing tomorrow with “confidence” is not something automatic, at least to me. It isn’t always just a decision, though some would have us believe this to be the determinant. Confidence is, from my view, closely link with hope, and comes from a combination of head facts and heart knowledge. When head and heart are in sync then the day dawns bright, steps are light, and smiles appear. Otherwise, tension and turmoil run arm in arm and things never quite go as they planned.
Some people seem to have more confidence than others do. I used to think that this was because they were more arrogant or na?ve than the rest of us but years have revealed the ignorance of my perspective. Confidence has little to do with arrogance because arrogance cannot sustain anyone over time. Sooner or later the reality of one’s weaknesses will catch up and the arrogance factor will lose its internal edge. I also thought I saw people consistently looking forward with hope as somewhat na?ve. This observation wasn’t 100% wrong however the observation was clearly flawed. People who see the world filled with hope usually see if more simply than you and I. They have, through the Divine Spirit I believe, filtered the different events into ones to watch and ones to ignore.
I now look and listen to those who face life with confidence. It isn’t that I think they have everything perfectly right, but rather that they have something to share that can benefit one who listens.
There are great examples around us, especially if we use a metaphor to describe their actions. Reflect on the following and look around to see who might fit the bill. “She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.” (Proverbs 31.24. 25)
When you spot the person I can tell you in advance that this is a person who walks with God. Listen, learn; then sit with God and let the recreation begin.
