I can choose...

This has been a challenging semester: some health issues, the death of a close friend, my son moving out of home for the first time, the deterioration and death of a loved pet, lots of study to do, and the list goes on.
It is easy to be self absorbed and whinge about my lot in life.
Yet...
I keep being reminded in so many ways that
I am not alone in my 'suffering' - there are many around me who are struggling with their own issues, big and small (probably way bigger than mine) and
I am so blessed - I have a wonderful family, job, friends, church family, home, ministry opportunities..

So here are words that I need to reflect on, and maybe they will be helpful to you too...

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

 ¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100 (NIV)

I can choose my attitude and tonight I choose to be thankful.