God (or the universe, or Allah, or Yahweh) works in mysterious ways. It’s fascinating how seemingly meaningless events can converge to create a pivotal point in your life.
Such an occurrence happened for me when I was 11. I found myself without reading matter and no way to get to the library. For me, this was a desperate condition. There were, however, built-in bookcases in the kitchen. My parents were not big readers, but they wanted the bookcase to look nice, so they filled them with my aunt’s used hardcover books.
I had passed over those books so many times. One time I picked up “The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit,” but couldn’t get past more than a few pages. I guess the personal dilemma of a corporate executive was not applicable to an 11-year-old.
But as I said, I was desperate. So I went back to the bookcase, and rifled through a few books before settling on Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.” This, it turned out, was destiny.
At that age I was introverted and socially awkward. I was invited to birthday parties, and played outside at recess, but couldn’t seem to make the close friendships that I deeply desired.
Now on the precipice of junior high, I was longing for some connection. Peale’s book gave me that. Its tone is certainly Christian, and I was and am a Christian (though not a dogmatic one); but it is more than that. His advice helped me to set aside my fears and insecurities and replace them with love. Outwardly I went from a shy, quiet introvert to a warm, personable person. Inwardly I felt the loving connection with others. My classmates became my focus; I listened and related. I was no longer focused so much on myself. This positive thinking showed itself in my outlook and in my relationships.
I didn’t worry about attaining popularity, I just lived these principles. As a result, I became very happy indeed! Ironically, I also became popular; but the happiness came first.
So now, 45 years later, I still believe in the power of positive thinking. This view has matured a bit as I’ve gathered more life experience. Today I know that you cannot make yourself only think positive thoughts. Thoughts just happen. You note when they arise, you see them drift away. So instead of positive thinking, it’s more like positive “being.”
It’s a deeply-felt belief that is under all of the thoughts. It’s the belief that all things work together for good. Even if you don’t see it immediately, the tragedies and sorrows of life have purpose and are good. This belief is the way to happiness, and it’s the way to peace.
