Does God want me to be a Pollyanna?

We're familiar with the verse, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)  But as we explored, discussed and dissected this verse, many principles were shared, words defined and questions asked.  Indeed, the discussion was lively.  Because of the truth that God's plans are good, and He has given us a wonderful future and secure hope, the question was presented, "Do I speak of the future pessimistically or optimistically?  This lead to, "How do I respond to the doom and gloom naysayer?" Or on the other hand, "What about the accusation that someone is just a Pollyanna, viewing life unrealistically?"  Here are the thoughts that Joyce jotted down afterwards that she gave permission to share here.

I often drive home from TLC pondering the things that were shared. Last night I was thinking about what was said about being "Pollyannaish" (thanks, Jan for the thought provoking question). I began wondering if I really understood what that meant, so I Googled it (when I got home, not while I was driving!). I felt compelled to write down the thoughts that came to me. Here they are if anyone is interested in my ramblings:

Pollyannaish

From Wikipedia.com
1) someone who seems always to be able to find something to be "glad" about no matter what circumstances arise
2) someone whose optimism is excessive to the point of naïveté or refusing to accept the facts of an unfortunate situation

From UrbanDictionary.com
3) Belittling and often insulting term for being absurdly optimistic and good-hearted, believing in a good world where everything works out for the best all the time. Often in combination with being God-fearing and perceiving oneself standing on a higher moral ground than others

If we are considering definition #1, then I agree that we should, like Pam said, "be Pollyannaish about God" (thanks for sharing that Pam). We can always find something to be thankful for and should strive to focus on God's goodness no matter what circumstances arise. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I said last night that "No one would ever accuse me of being a Pollyanna," but that's not really true. One example is when one of my sister's was diagnosed with cancer I was saddened by the news, but not devastated because I was thankful that she is a Christian and I knew that God would use her and the situation for His glory (and He did). One family member did not share my view and accused me of being unconcerned and uncaring. There wasn't much I could say to change her perspective, and I didn't allow her to change mine. I did try to let her know that I really did share her love and concern for my sister.

It was something more like definition #2 and #3 that sparked my initial response as that has been more my experience. I have been both the offender of and the one offended by the attitude that is described in Proverbs 25:20, Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart

For many years I perceived myself standing on a higher moral ground than others, judging others as not being God-fearing because they were struggling with a circumstance in their life that saddened them or concerned them. Instead of coming alongside and "sorrowing with those who sorrow" I poured vinegar on their wounds with my patronizing words disguised as encouragement. God used my struggle with infertility to reveal this in myself, and He's still working on me.

Let me just add, so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not saying that we should condone any sinful attitudes or behaviors in others or ourselves. One missionary told me once that there is no excuse for bad behavior, but there's almost always an explanation. I'm grateful for the women who have come along side me, listened, got to know me and helped me understand why I struggled with certain areas so that I could replace the wrong thinking that was triggering them with truth. I thank the Lord for how He has progressed me; it's only by His grace. Still a long way to go though...

So, if someone was to "accuse me of being a Pollyanna" I would have to examine whether it is because they do not share my eternal perspective of hope in God, or is it because they are sensing that I do not care enough about them to allow them to share their perspective.

I appreciate all of you and how God made each one of us different. I am thankful for how God is using each of you in my life.

Joyce