I once knew a fellow who sent his contact information in to Publishers Clearinghouse when he was going to be away on vacation. Now that's optimism. As a young teen, I participated in an oratorical contest sanctioned by Optimists International. The speech we contestants were to prepare and deliver was intended to extol some aspect of optimism. I suppose it takes a certain amount of optimism to host such a contest and to participate in one.
Is there such a thing as 'Christian optimism?' Some disciples I know have a sunny disposition, see only the best in everyone, always look for the silver lining. Yet for me, those characteristics reflect personality traits which are not limited to Christians. When it comes to sharing our faith with others, there is no question that the capacity to exhibit an attitude of trust in God's providential care, even when days are dark, is a powerful witness. The apostle Paul -- perhaps not best known for an unbridled optimism! -- wrote: 'We do not lose heart.' Despite all the hardship, persecution, apparent failure and disappointment he experienced as a representative of the gospel, he could not lose heart. And the reason was, his relationship with Christ.
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