Everyone needs a ‘check-point’ station

During various seasons of my life, I stop into a “check-point” station. This check-point station serves as a time in which I evaluate myself. The sole purpose of the evaluation is to examine and check my character.

While you may define character with one meaning, I see character as how a person acts out their original nature, or imitate and mimic the quality of another individual they admire based on one’s moral standards. Character is like the mind. We all have one. But, not every mind operates on the same motherboard or is the same. We are unique individuals and no two people are exactly the same.

Each of us possess different traits that make up our character. Whether a person is devoted, kind, determined, funny or cooperative, our character identifies to who we are. Likewise, a person can be disloyal, unkind, impatient, grumpy or quarrelsome; our personality is being developed based on such traits.

Have you ever found yourself in a predicament in which a person addresses you about your behavior, actions, attitudes, or responses to a particular matter? Depending on the individual who approaches you about such concerns, you may or may not give it a great deal of thought. On the other hand, you may have a general consensus of people expressing the same ideas about your character. Immediately, you examine the concerns of the individuals as the concerns carry more weight when it’s a group of people addressing who you are, your character.

A person will know when he or she is on the right accord when their character aligns with the way others view their character. If a person’s “check point” doesn’t match with others, there is no need to get mad at them. Take advantage of the time and allow it to be a time for self-examination. Check yourself first.

 

Imagine with me that one’s character is important simply because it is a “check point.” Check points can be refreshments as should be one’s character. The character portrayed by every individual should be refreshing for and to other people.

Think about it for a moment. After a game, recital, or training for work, a parent, guardian, teacher, co-worker or place of employment may provide light refreshments. Every individual appreciates the refreshments as they are rejuvenating after a game or temporarily satisfying for the physical body until lunch or dinner time. In a similar manner, our characters should represent us in such a way that we are refreshing and rejuvenating throughout our day.

During my elementary and middle school years, I was a quiet boy who preferred to be alone. I was insecure. While I was not a rude and disrespectful boy, I was always inquisitive to the things my teacher discussed as well as matters in the world. I had a lot of questions to ask.

As I entered high school, I begin to come out of my shell and was more outgoing. Others recognized me as generous and funny. It was not a part of my character to be found with negative character traits attached to my identity towards others. My struggle was within, my own insecurities.

As you start school, play sports, report to work, or simply go about your day, I encourage you to stop into a “check point.” Examine your character as well as ask other people how they view you as a person. It should be everyone’s desire to be like refreshments. If you find yourself not so refreshing, begin the process of making changes to your character. You will find that it is worth the time.