Holding a conversation with a pessimist is a big challenge.
Because they are sour on most everything, having a conversation with a pessimist can be very tiring. It takes a lot of energy on our part to keep on guard against being drawn into their negative view of things.
Most of use, unfortunately, can have leanings to the negative. Mostly because of our fallen state in our relationship with God, our creator. Because of God’s perfection, He cannot have sin in His presence and therefore our relationship with Him is broken.
The sin of Adam cast all of mankind and creation into a state of separation. God is eternally good and sin is the opposite. So, since sin is bad (negative) and both ourselves and the whole world is in this state, we all have tendencies toward negativity.
Daily, we feel the effects of this sin (negativity). Bad things happen all over the world every day. We are exposed to them in our own lives and from the news.
Fortunately, by the mercy and grace of God, the joys and the things that go right far, far, far outweigh the things that go wrong!
The tough stuff does come, but we work through it while being blessed with the wonderfulness that surrounds us.
Some folks, unfortunately, get focused too much on the things that have gone wrong and they miss all the good things all around them. Because of this focus, they end up with a feeling of futility and frustration.
They tend to think something will go wrong with everything. Even when things are going well, they are always anticipating that it will turn negative. They always see the shadow and miss the sunshine.
Keep your positive perspective when speaking with these folks. Have compassion on them that they are trapped in this way of viewing their life and the world.
Take the opportunity to be a light in their life.
Whatever the subject of your conversation is, lead the conversation to the good side. Even when the subject is about a problem, focus the conversation about overcoming the problem and how great that will be.
Be a source of help to these people. Thoughtfully, guide them in the hope that is everywhere. Encourage them to consider the victories and rest in the joy of what goes right.
Remember, what goes right in our world and our lives far outnumbers what goes wrong. Help those in your life discover the goodness that surrounds them!
Pursue Great! In All You Do.