How Do I See Others?

"A traveler nearing a great city asked an old man seated by the road, 'What are the people like in this city?'

'What were they like where you came from?' the man asked.
'Horrible,' the traveler reported. 'Mean, untrustworthy, detestable in all respects.'
'Ah,' said the old man, 'you will find them the same in the city ahead.'

Scarcely had the first traveler gone on his way when another stopped to inquire about the people in the city before him. Again the old man asked about the people in the place the traveler has just left.

'They were fine people: honest, industrious, and generous to a fault,' declared the second traveler. 'I was sorry to leave.'

The old man responded, 'That's exactly how you’ll find the people here.'

The way people see others is a reflection of themselves…Your personality comes through when you talk about others and interact with them. Someone who doesn’t know you would be able to tell a lot about who you are based on simple observation."

John Maxwell, "Winning With People" (Nashville: Thomas Nelson , 2004), 7-8.

Every day is a test. We can choose to pass or fail by our choice to encourage or discourage the people around us. Let’s see others in a positive light, thereby casting light on ourselves. Let's see ourselves in a positive light, thereby casting light on others.

Forever learning,
Johnny