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**The Attitude Adjustment**

 

Here in Akasia, Pretoria, the sun beats down relentlessly. Life here, like life anywhere, can feel like a relentless *umkhonto* fight. One minute you're basking in the warmth, the next you're dodging potholes and loadshedding.

The other day, my car broke down – right in the middle of a busy intersection. My initial reaction? A furious, frustrated outburst. The *umkhonto* felt like it was pointed directly at my chest. This was hardship, raw and undeniable. But then, slowly, a different thought pricked my conscience. This spear, this frustrating situation, wasn’t inherently evil. It was just… *a situation*. My *attitude* determined whether it would wound me or become a catalyst for something better.

I remember my *ouma*’s potjiekos. She always said the secret wasn’t just the meat, but the balance of spices. Too much salt, and the whole thing was ruined. Too much chilli, and your mouth was on fire, but not in a good way. My life, my faith, feels much the same. I can choose to react with bitterness, with the fiery heat of resentment, or I can find the grace, the gentle sweetness to see the situation differently.

Choosing a positive attitude isn't about sticking my head in the sand. It’s about actively choosing how I respond to the challenges. Did I get towed out of that intersection with a smile? No. But I did manage to thank the tow truck driver. And I did make a mental note to check my car’s oil more regularly. That's a small victory.

We, as Christians, carry a powerful weapon – not a spear, but the love of Christ. It’s a weapon not for destruction, but for building bridges, for extending compassion. That broken-down car? It might have been an inconvenience, but it also brought a unexpected kindness from a stranger. It offered a chance for reflection, a small moment of grace.

The *umkhonto* remains neutral. It's our heart that determines how we wield it. The choice remains ours. Here in my Akasia home, I choose to believe that even amidst the chaos, God is working, shaping, and refining my faith, one spice at a time. The question isn't whether life throws *umkhonto* at us, but whether we choose to forge them into something beautiful or allow them to pierce our souls.


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