So how do we keep our attitudes such that we can more effectively touch the lives of more students?  I believe it is obviously by having the mind of Christ!  But honestly how do we do that?  The answer lies in how you CHOOSE to see the world.  When you look at a rose bush do you:

            See a thorn bush with roses or

                        Do you see a rose bush with thorns?

Is your cup half empty or half full?  Do you make lemons out of lemonade?  Are you positive or negative?  Are you an encouragement or discouragement to others?  

If we are to be like Christ, we should give hope, encouragement, and love.  In the many biblical stories and parables, Christ gave each person He met hope.  I recall instantly the woman at the well, the woman caught in the act of adultery, Zacheus, healing the blind the leprous, the hurting and the lonely, how Jesus gave all of them hope.  And Paul said here is how you do it.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.                                                             Phil 4:8-9 (NASB)

I also know that we have to constantly work to take in control all that we do.  If we allow Christ to control our thoughts then He can have control of all of us.

we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,6     2 Cor 10:6 (NASB)

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

  1 Cor 13:7-8 (NASB)

13 But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

  1 Cor 13:13 (NASB)

When we show a positive attitude and a proactive outlook on life we are showing love.  So next time you see the Rose bush enjoy the roses while knowing the thorns are there.