Energiser or Drainer, which one are you?

Remember the cool-looking, super-active bunny in the Energizer battery advertisements? He just keeps on going and going, doesn't he? At least, that's how the manufacturers want you to remember him. The message they intend for you to take away is the longevity of their batteries because that justifies the significantly higher cost of purchasing these Energizer batteries as compared with standard ones.

Have you come across people who always seem to leave you feeling drained? Do you find that each time you spend some time with them, you leave feeling exhausted, as if some life has been sucked out of you? Do you, like me, have a family member, friend or colleague who you find yourself often trying to avoid? Sometimes, you might not even know why you do! I recall one time when I caught myself doing this. On careful introspection, I realised that the reason why I was always trying to 'escape' was because I felt drained whenever I spent time together with this person, especially alone. It started to occur to me that I used to be like that myself during one phase of my life, when I was a 'moaner'. I realise now that I wasn't much fun to be around back then because I emitted a lot of negative energy through my moaning and self-pity.  My glass was usually half-empty, rather than half-full. The weather in good old Blighty was "dire and unpredictable" - that didn't help. My boss was a "twat" (or at least, so I thought :)...and the list went on and on. Thank God He snapped me out of that phase. Goodness me, my poor family and friends!

I'll ask you this one question: Are you an ENERGIZER or a DRAINER?

One dictionary definition of the word 'energise' is to 'give vitality and enthusiasm to'.  Other definitions I've come across are 'to make something more active' and 'to make someone feel energetic or eager'. In other words, you perk people up, put a spring in their step, help to refresh or rejuvenate them. Yes, everyone has good days and bad days, but which one are you for the most part - one who energises or one who drains? Which would you like to be? Are your colleagues energised by your ideas? Do you find that your family and friends are energised by your company, full of vitality when they are around you?

How have I managed to turn from that energy-sapping drainer into an intentional energiser?

1. I smile.
   Yes, a whole lot! I always say that it's a gift from the Almighty. And thank God, smiling is infectious. Try it, you'll see. As an educator, I often remind kids that everybody 'smiles in the same language'. Smiling transcends language barriers.
2. I practise gratitude.
   I am thankful every day. I focus on the positives in my life and my situation, and find that I always have good reason to be thankful to my Creator.
3. I watch what I say. 
   For me, this is the hardest one, but I remind myself that the Bible says that my words should "lift up and not tear down", should "bless and not curse". Ephesians 4:29 says everything we say should do good to those who listen to us. I love The Message Bible version which states: "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." 

A few years ago, I heard the highly-esteemed Bible teacher, Dr RT Kendall preach a sermon in our church that really got my attention. He challenged the congregation to run every word that comes out of our mouths through the NEED gate:
N - Is it Necessary?  It might be true but does it really need to be said?
E - Does it Emancipate or set free?  Or is it damning?
E - Does it Energise? Does it add oomph / give enthusiasm?
D - Does it Dignify? Does it make the person feel important / build them up?

If the answer to any of these is no, then SHUSH!! Don't let those words get through the NEED gate over your mouth.

Be an energiser, not a drainer. Let your words nourish, encourage, build up, bless, and shape positively in every way you know how. I leave you with one of my favourite Bible verses - "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."[Proverbs 16:24]

Happy Valentine's Day!

Much love xx