Occasionally, when I’m talking to someone who has a lot of unhappiness in their life, I’m tempted to ask, “What is the one thing all of your problems have in common?” Of course, the correct answer is “ME!” However, since that approach isn’t usually received too well, I generally try to use a more pastoral strategy.
One of the toughest lessons in life to learn is that we tend to notice most what we’re looking for. For instance, if you’re constantly on the lookout for the negative, then that’s what you’re going to find. Like a vulture flying high above the earth, you’ll zero in on everything that’s dead and rotten.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday again this year, we don’t turn a blind eye to evil or injustice – but we do focus our attention on those things that “are worthy of praise.” So, look around! The world is filled with beauty, love and grace… for those with eyes to see.