Climate Changers

The other day I went grocery shopping with my infant and two-year-old. (I know, rookie move, I suppose I’m a glutton for punishment.) My goal was to stop in quickly for dinner, and raced strategically through the store trying to grab burgers and milk and cheese before inevitable melt downs ensued.
 
We were about 15 minutes in when my two-year-old declared mutiny. For us, this looks like her wailing for me to unstrap her from the cart (her behavior would suggest I am a slave owner and that little buckle, is in fact, PRISON CHAINS), screaming for snacks, (“I want RAAAISIIIIINS!!!!”) or demanding my shopping list and pen for coloring purposes. I had somewhat subdued the tot with a  box of raisins and my pen, when my sweet 10-week old decided to join the fun. She began whimpering, then crying, then REALLY crying to let me know she was hungry/sleepy/hating-life-for-no-reason. 
 
At this moment, any mom knows - the stress is REAL.
 
Embarrassed and hurried, I tried my best to not impede the life and times of other shoppers.  Most folks seemed slightly annoyed with my chattering tot. I got a few “knowing” glances from moms. One curt comment about a two month old being too young to be in public. 20-minutes in and I was desperate to check out, get out and get home.
 
And then a smiley and robust woman rounded the corner. 
 
“Oh, well HI mom!” she declared joyfully.
 
My shoulders relaxed. “Such an incredible day isn’t it? Oh! Well will you look at YOU little princess! What a great outfit!”
 
I breathed in deep and smiled. My toddler started to laugh. I could even feel my infant calm as well. And in that moment I was so THANKFUL for a woman with a sunny disposition.
 
I am convinced that everyone in the world carries and atmosphere with them. Dark clouds of frustration maybe. A gloomy fog of judgement. A gust of fresh air. A bright ray of kindness. Every one has an climate of their own. And everyone exposes it to the world around them.
 
It’s been my experience, that the most successful, incredible, world-changing personalities are aware of this factor. That they can change the climate around them.
 
They understand that their thoughts, emotions and feelings eventually leak up to the surface, and become the presence about them. “Keep your heart with all vigilance,” Proverbs exclaims, “for from it flows the things of life.” “Keeping” your heart is a personal responsibility of stewarding your inner thoughts and your Spirit. Proverbs warns to “keep” to “guard” to “watch over” your inner world. Because eventually that inner world moves outward and becomes your LIFE. These climate changers know that their clouds or sunshine will rain or shine on the friends, co-workers and family in their lives.
 
Most importantly, they take ownership of this fact, and make a DECISION to bring the right kind of climate wherever they go.

• These are the folks who will walk into a meeting and immediately everyone is happier they are there.
• The people that speak kindly to a clerk after an angry customer storms out.
• The people that enter a room and MAKE IT BETTER. Just by being there.

 
So what about you?
 
What kind of climate are you bringing to the world? To your workplace? To your home?   
 
Are you a stormy cloud of insecurity? A lightning bolt of anger? Or are you a soft breeze of peace? A warm touch of sunshine?
 
Today may your steward your inner heart and mind. May you be an overflowing well of refreshment and life. May you be a bright and beautiful day to those are around you. If you will change the heart around you, you will change the climate around your neighborhood, work, and world.  

About Jessie

​Jessie Davis is a pastor, writer, mommy, wife and empowerer of young believers. She has loved, been loved, and worked at Red Rocks Church as the young adults ministry lead decade. Her goal is to see the next generation of believers live impactful, powerful and kingdom building lives in their sphere's of influence. She recently published her first book, Post Grad, and launched an online communication ministry called KingdomBend. She loves meeting new people, the Church, and her family.

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