Muley's "Power of Positive Thinking" - Sunday School 4/26/2020

Considering the need to think positive, Muley chose to use Colossians 3:1-4 to open a discussion about positive thinking.  Part of the story was cut for time; but, it has been shared below.

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So, I was just thinking…    Aren’t you proud of me?

But, really, though, I was.  And thinking plays a BIG part of how we live our lives and how we communicate – or talk – with others.  And thinking can also affect us physically.  Positive thinking - good thoughts - make you feel good, and negative – or bad – thinking can make you sick.  But, what can we do about it?  While I’m only a talking mule and not a psychologolojologist, I did some research for you so you can think better, help yourself, and help others around you. 

So, here’s some ideas on how to think better to do better for ourselves:
It’s easier to think negative thoughts like, “I’m not good enough” or “I’m going to fail” or “someone is going to eat my cake.”  This is when you practice using new thoughts, like, “I am going to do the best I can,” and “I get to share my cake with others.”  Don’t worry about failing; but, remind yourself of all the times you have succeeded and done well!  It’s okay to have a little self-doubt, though, because then you can challenge yourself to do better than you thought you could!

I know one guy who always worries about how bad everything can go.  It makes him upset, he thinks going into meetings he’s in trouble already, and he doesn’t even call people because he thinks he’s going to bother them.  If you think like that, then play the opposite game!  Meetings are because someone wants to help you succeed, something is happening and it will work out just fine, call those people because they DO want to hear from you.  Thinking differently really can put a positive spin on things for you and make you feel better!

Sometimes, people have problems and you see it and, in your way of helping, you offer advice.  But, what do you do when you’re having a problem and nobody is around to help? Pretend that it’s your friend there.  What would you say to your friend to help them?    Thinking about what you might tell your friend may help you decide for yourself what the best action to take is.  Taking your own advice can be helpful to yourself!

Think about what’s going on around you right now, and be aware – thoughtful – of whom you’re with, where you are, and what you’re doing.  That’s called mindfulness.  Every chance you can get, put away the games, the cellphones, the television, and live in YOUR world, not in those worlds.  Experience the people and things in our life as much as possible.  Being mindful is thinking about your place in the world and with people who care about you!

Being thankful.  Did you know that thinking about the good things you have in life – friends, family, talent, and shelter – any combination of this can make you feel better.  Being thankful for what you’ve been given helps you be mindful about why you should be happy.  People who are thankful sleep better and are happier people.  They even live longer (that’s what it said on the internet).  And, it helps ward off sad thoughts like self-pity or wishing you had somebody else’s stuff.

 Colossians 3: 1 – 4 tells us to “set our minds on things from above, not on earthly things.”  Because, if we think about all the wonderful things God wants for us, has given us, gives us, and will give us, and think about God’s great love, we think better for ourselves.  Thinking good thoughts are a gift to ourselves, and the Bible tells us so.  Thinking good thoughts is what Jesus wants us to do, because He always wants what is best for each of us, just like God wants for us.  Because God loves you, Jesus loves you, and your pal Muley loves you, and I’ll see you real soon!

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The script that was removed, supposed to come right after the 'psychologist' gag:

Before we get into different ways of thinking, one thing that I know a lot of people deal with is depression.  What that means, see, is that sometimes people feel really sad, and not just for a little while; but, they feel sad all the time, every day.  Some folks tell them “snap out of it,” or “it will get better,” or other things that don’t really help.  When you know someone with depression, listen to what they have to say about it, and always let them know that they are important to you and that you love them.  But, when it’s us kids who are depressed – and childhood depression is real – we need to feel comfortable enough to talk about it with our grownups who we hope will listen and understand what we’re going through.  Quality time with people who are depressed is important, it’s showing support while not being pushy.  Exercise, healthy meals, regular sleep habits, and finding a way to connect with others are helpful ways to get our body to help us through depression.  And for the record, when I say “Muley loves you,” I mean it.