Thursday, November 7, 2013

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...

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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. 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

 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
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.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
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.

No comments:

Post a Comment