Whether our lives are good or bad depends a great deal on our perspective. Sometimes it seems like the world is crashing down around us, but a quick shift in our attitude makes a world of difference. Ever notice that?
Some people are perpetual victims, or as I like to call them, little black rain clouds. They act like someone peed in their Cheerios every morning. You ask how they are doing and get, “Well, not so good.” We all know at least one of these people. They put a damper on every situation like a wet blanket and are no fun to be around.
Then there are those people who seem to have a smile on their face no matter what. They can find the silver lining in any situation. They are magnetic. You want to be around them and be more like them.
So whats the difference? Is it just because some people have more luck and better lives? No way! I believe it is a perspective of thankfulness.
A lack of thankfulness = entitlement. On its face I would not call myself entitled, but when I think of it in those terms, I am one great big, entitled brat. I often focus on the negative in the situation, or what I don’t have, instead of being grateful for the endless blessing I have been given.
Last night I had to pick my husband up from work (since we still only have one car). I grumbled that I had to leave the house so late to get him. I grumbled that I was almost out of gas so we had to stop and fill up. This morning when I left for work I grumbled that the price of gas had dropped 5¢ overnight. Grumble, grumble, grumble.
What I didn’t focus on was that I only had to pick my husband up yesterday, I didn’t have to drop him off in the morning because he got a bus pass. I didn’t focus on the fact that since I needed gas while my husband was with me, I did not have to stand out in the cold to pump it. I didn’t focus on the fact that gas was already 20¢ cheaper than the last time I filled up.
The fact that I even own a car puts me in the top 20% of the wealthiest people in the world. According to the Global Rich List, I am in the top 1% of wealthiest people in the world. Seriously, go check it out if you are in need of your daily dose of reality.
As a Christian I have been shown the ultimate mercy, and bee given the ultimate gift. So choosing to focus on what I don’t have, or what I think has gone wrong, is really just another form of ungratefulness.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. –
Psalm 103:10
As a matter of fact, we are commanded to be thankful.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –
1 Thessalonians 5:18
There are countless other verses that tok about being thankful, and joyful, no matter what. Many of these verses were written while the authors were in prison, being confined and tortured for their faith. I think I can learn to be thankful when someone else used the last paper towel and didn’t tell me!
Thankfulness, gratefulness and positivity go hand-in-hand. Its hard to be negative while you are counting your blessings.
Thankfulness is not my natural default, but I am striving to make it a part of the culture in our home. Tomorrow I am going to talk about ways that I intentionally bring thankfulness into my life.
What are you thankful for today?
This is day 3 in the series 31 Days Of Learning To Be Positive. Click here to check out the entire series.
Leave a Reply