Looking For Character

In Real Estate I will often have clients, while they share their wish list, say to me "I am looking for something with Character."

This typically means something with an older feel, details, intricacies. That sort of thing. I know this because if they wanted to have something that feels newer they would have said modern. They yearn for something from the past to be revived in them. I even have had clients who are building new construction homes ask for these old charm details added in.

If we are circumspect we will notice we are not only looking for character in real estate.Character is a trait we are looking for in others. In fact I believe there are a whole lot of people out there who are looking for those charming things from the past to be present in their lives today. Who wouldn’t want to experience things like kindness, peace, joy, faithfulness, hospitality, generosity on a daily basis. These are the character traits we look for in people we encounter. These are the people we desire to surround ourselves with. I mean, I don’t know anyone who is going out of their way to add more rude people into their lives.

The character others exhibit to us on a consistent basis, communicates to us they are a person we can trust.

The question I want to challenge to you today, dear reader, is: What would others say about your character traits? Would people say they are put at easy or on edge when they encounter you? If these questions stir you a little.

At the risk of sounding cliche. How can we be the change we want to see in the world? We start with the character trait
Intentionality. To be intentional means to do things on purpose. It’s that simple.

There is a saying that goes like this: Be careful how you think, because they become your attitude. Your attitudes temper your words, your words lead to actions, your actions become habits, habits from your character, and your character determines your destiny.

Once you start there you begin to love on purpose, be kind on purpose, have self-control on purpose, be gentle on purpose, be patient on purpose. I could go on and on. You can, if done on purpose, add a ton of character to your life and in doing so enrich the lives of others. You may even encourage others to follow suit just by intentionally saying I am going to work on having good character today.

Character Is Contagious

If you want help or would like a more tangible place to start (or would sure like to see some character in your kids) (cough. self-control) check out our family devotional here Foundation Of Character.