Eeyore at the helm

So... I'm reading this article by John Ortberg on Hope Management. I have always liked reading John's books and articles and listening to his sermons. I wish I knew him - or even someone like him - someone who was positive and upbeat and hopeful. In the article he says optimism is the one responsibility no leader should delegate. The quote that sorta got to me was:

"...when Eeyore is at the helm, the whole ship is in trouble. Eeyore may be the most intelligent, gifted, attractive, educated, credentialed person in the room. But if he or she is easily deflated, sensitive to defeat and criticism, and de-motivated by setbacks, the whole community begins the long slow spiral downward."

By no means do I think I am ever the most intelligent, gifted, etc. person in a room.... but I'm also not at all hopeful most of the time. In fact, the truth is: I am most likely the problem in our church. I am too easily deflated, too sensitive to defeat and criticism, and too de-motivated by setbacks. It's no one else's responsibility, and it is entirely my fault. I don't say that out of pity or a false sense of humility... I say it as a confession of sin. It's true. I am the most negative person I know, and I hate it. I hate it! I don't want to be this way.

I confess it to you, Lord, and ask you to forgive me. And to empower me, refresh me; and give to me a new heart and a new hope.

Amen.