I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news in the last couple months. Occasionally I will turn it on if I’m just feeling too upbeat and need something to reconnect me with my inner depression, but for the most part I leave it off.
Don’t think I’m uninformed. I still keep track of the major stories, but I’ve grown tired of the constant flow of negativity which spews from news anchors’ mouths each evening. I mean why subject myself to more stories of senseless violence, infidelity, or the latest boneheaded move by our politicians? If I want to see stuff like that I can watch Law & Order. At least there the acting is good!
I’m trying to do the same thing in my personal life. I realized it’s way too easy for me to focus on the negative and miss out on the blessings God pours out on me everyday. This doesn’t do me any good and brings everyone around me down too.
In the book Help in Daily Living, p. 29, the author warns, “While we are counting up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasant to reflect upon are passing from memory.”
I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I want to live my life. I’ve decided to instead follow Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:8 where he says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
In spite what the news might want you to think, there is so much in this world that is still true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and worth thinking about. Sunrises and sunsets. Budding flowers and laughing brooks. Selfless souls who give their lives to help others and talented artists and musicians who fill our world with beauty and song.
This morning, let’s decide to stop dwelling on the trash. Let’s fill our minds with the good and reject the bad. Instead of repeating the latest gossip, let’s look for the good in everyone we meet and “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,-think on these things.”
God bless and have a positively amazing day!
Your Turn: What is one thing in your life you are thankful for, that makes you smile? Share it in the comments below, so we can all “think on these things.” Thanks and God Bless!