And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8
It was a chilly travel evening when my husband and I decided to stop and eat our dinner outside. Nothing fancy. We were wearing comfy old jeans and lightweight down jackets. We grabbed some paper plates and a few simple finger foods—just enough to call it a meal. We set up collapsible camp chairs and a foldable wooden table on the side of the road and braved the wind while we ate.
Many would shudder at the thought of this scenario, but for us it was an evening to remember. You see, while we ate on the side of that road, we had the most amazing view of a deep canyon and surrounding mountains. We watched the light casting shadows against the rocks and an occasional eagle soaring on the updrafts in the valley. We were focussed on the beauty around us and the joy of sharing it with one another. Our humble dining experience that night far exceeded any five star restaurant.
What we choose to focus on in our daily life experiences makes all the difference in determining our level of joy. Our thoughts drive our feelings and shape our experiences. The Bible tells us to fill our minds with things that are true, noble, gracious and beautiful. When we do, our attitudes begin to reflect those same things. With practice, our minds and thoughts will naturally gravitate toward the positive. Even when facing difficult times, finding something good to think about—hard as it may be—can ease our stress and elevate our perspective.
Where is your focus these days? If someone hands you a paper plate and a folding chair to sit on, can you find the beauty in it? If so, you are on a path to some memorable joy.
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Father in heaven, in whatever I face today, help me to see the good in my life and to focus on it. Fix my thoughts on things that are true and lovely and excellent, even when my circumstances may not be, and lift my spirit in the process. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.