It’s easy to complain about what we don’t have and how bad things are. Our news feeds are filled with such negative stories and they fill most of our personal thoughts and conversations as well. And, unfortunately, it takes much inner resolve and courage to name and enjoy the good.
Perhaps around Thanksgiving we take the time to express our gratitude for the many blessings we have in life. But it seems we’re more prone to grumble and complain throughout the rest of the year.
On a daily basis, it seems much easier to gripe about our boss and work conditions, criticize our politicians and government, and talk about our disappointments in marriage than to reflect on the good in these spaces.
Choosing to focus on the good is not minimizing or ignoring legitimate critiques.
However, it’s trying to see holistically, which involves our ability to live with a sober joy – accepting both the good and the bad and not focusing on one to the neglect of the other.
And while some of us might live with our heads in the sand, we don’t have to look far to see many things not as they should be. And initiating a gripe session on any number of issues is likely very easy to do.
On the other hand, we seem reluctant to unapologetically speak to the good in our day-to-day lives. We might celebrate big events, but a general spirit of gratitude seems absent.
Bitterness and despair are more likely when our attention is glued to the negative – feeling hopeless and settling for the short game of quick fixes.
But seeing the good gives us needed balance and peace even as we navigate difficult seasons.
Don’t let negativity consume you. See the good God has blessed you with and live a life of gratitude.
Photo by Anaya Katlego on Unsplash
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