While taking a walk with my daughter the other night, I asked her spontaneously, “What was good that happened today?”
I don’t know what compelled me to ask. It’s not like this is a regular part of our day. But what resulted was a beautiful conversation on looking at the bright side of life.
We began to rattle off the good things that had happened that day: the warm weather, the ability to walk outside, the birds chirping. It put such an amazing perspective on the day that was otherwise filled with sad news, the pandemic and fearful news coverage.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17 ESV).
It turns out that sometimes just thinking of the good things God has given, simple as they may be, can turn a frown upside down. Actually, and seriously, this exercise is often more beneficial for us grown-ups than for the kids.
When the blues come creeping in, focus on what is good to change your perspective of a day, a week, a season of life. Hunting for God in your daily life will make a difference.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8 ESV).
