Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s easy to get bogged down by the negative. But what if we could shift our focus to the good, the true, and the beautiful? Philippians 4:8-9b reminds us to “think about the things that are good and worthy of praise…and the God who gives peace will be with you.”
The Power of Perspective
I was struck by a story about two men, Frank and Charles, who shared a hospital room. Frank, a beacon of positivity, would regale Charles with vivid descriptions of the world outside their window – the birds, the clouds, and the snow. Charles, consumed by darkness, was amazed by Frank’s outlook. When Frank passed away, Charles requested to be moved to the “window” bed, only to discover that all he could see was a dull hospital wall. Frank’s imagination had transformed his reality, revealing the beauty in his circumstances.
Surrounded by Beauty
In our own lives, we’re often surrounded by beauty, yet our focus tends to drift towards the negative. I’m guilty of this myself. Our backyard is a tranquil oasis, complete with a pond, stream, and vibrant flora. Yet, when I gaze out the window, my eyes instinctively land on our neighbor’s dilapidated shed. Why do we default to the ugly when there’s so much beauty to behold?
The Choice is Ours
The truth is, we have the power to choose what we see, what we think about, and how we respond. We can opt to focus on the good, the kind, and the beautiful. We can count our blessings instead of complaining. The question is, what will we choose to see?
A Prayer for Perspective
Dear Father, thank you for the gift of choice. Help us to shift our gaze from the ugly to the beautiful, even if it exists only in our imagination. May we cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the beauty that surrounds us, and may your peace be our constant companion. Amen.
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