Wednesday, May 4, 2011

What's That Mean?

Sanguine. I have heard this word more times than you can imagine in the last couple months. By several different people in different settings. It must have been on some word of the day calendar or toilet paper or something. I mean I even heard Beth Moore say it in a video I was watching.
On several occasions, it seemed to me that the word was used in a sort of derogatory manner that was also insinuating that I am in fact “sanguine.” So I realized that I didn’t know what this really means, and I should find out before I decide if it is true or not.

Sanguine: “cheerfully optimistic,
hopeful, or confident” -dictionary.com

Reeeallly??? I’m glad I looked that up. Does anyone really think I am that? Not bad! I like to think that I can be that way most of the time. I could see how that might be a little annoying at times, but so can being morose (the antonym). So it turns out what I thought was meant as an insult (and maybe it was) was actually a compliment. Not bad!

But by the grace of God I am what I am,
and his grace toward me was not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:10

I am what I am…and if it is sanguine, then so be it!

Anyway, this kind of misunderstanding is what happens whenever we assume we understand what people are really trying to say. I could have nursed some feeling that I was being called stupid or shallow or something…and then just go with that belief as I filter all other interactions with this person. But that wouldn’t be beneficial to anyone.

I’m glad I just faced this head on and figured it out. That’s the best way to handle any sort of misunderstanding. Just get it figured out and move on…it’s so much better than holding onto junk.

Just a thought…I hope you have a sanguine attitude this fine day!