February 5, 2016

See What’s Good

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -- Philippians 4:8

What did you think about today? Were you stressed about work? Did you have a fight with your spouse? Did your child get in trouble at school? Were you overwhelmed by all the daily chores, like laundry and dishes and homework?

There are tons of things that fill up a day and push aside the good things that also are all around us. I could make you feel guilty right now. I could really turn it on and remind you of all those childless folks who long for children and would give anything to referee a sibling fight or help with homework. I could remind you of the people who are fighting cancer and would love to have the energy to do laundry and dishes. But I won’t.

It’s easy to focus on all the issues that cloud our day and make us long for a vacation or, at least, Friday. That means we spend much of our time longing for something else. That feeds on itself and pretty soon we’re consumed with all that’s wrong with our life instead of what’s right with it.

Stop for a minute and ask yourself what’s right with your life. Do you have good health? What about your family? Do you have a home? Do you have plenty of food to eat? Do you have a nice television? What about a computer?

But let’s not stop there. When was the last time you noticed the sky? The views can be breathtaking. What about flowers and birds? Did you enjoy the snow or the rain or the sun today? Did you make a few green lights on your drive home from work? I could keep going but I think you get the point.

There’s always something to be thankful for if we just open our eyes to see. It’s funny how that works too. The more we look around and focus on the good in our lives, the more good we see. And pretty soon we’re doing what Paul told us to do.

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful today. It’ll change your attitude and your life.