What's Out and What's In


The news media usually has several this time of year-lists of what's "out" and 
what's "in" for the new year.  We're told what fad is yesterday's news and what 
"gotta have" is tomorrow's headline.  In 2001, talking on cell phones in public 
places is out, although cell phones themselves are still in.  Body piercings are 
out; femininity in ladies fashion is in.  TV survival shows are on the way out, 
while game shows are still in.

Have you ever wondered how much attention people pay to these lists?  Are 
lifestyles changed?  Are jobs displaced and careers destroyed because a certain 
product showed up on the "out" list?  Are other careers enhanced and lives 
enriched because of the "in" list?   

If that's the case and public perception is actually affected by such lists, 
have you ever ventured to think what list YOU would like to publish, and what 
effect YOUR list might have on the world?  Think about this list:

Out			In

Complaints		Cooperation
Resentment		Appreciation
Anger			Forgiveness
Selfishness		Generosity
Arrogance		Humility
Indifference	Commitment 
Intolerance		Patience
Worry			Peace
Hate			Love

If the world is truly affected by these "out" and "in" lists, can't you just 
imagine a world that actually cast away these "out" attitudes and adopted the 
"in" ones?  You may be thinking that there is little you can do to bring such 
vast changes in today's big world.  Perhaps you're right.  But the good news is 
that you CAN affect the world immediately around you-your family, your 
neighbors, and your friends in the workplace.  

What's "in" for you this week?  The high road of morality or the easy road of 
popularity?  Faithfulness or infidelity?  The hard truth or the easy lie?  

Who knows-your decision may start a trend!