Positive Approach

I recently read the true story of a Little League coach who had to make an outlook choice about his right fielder. The little guy who was playing that position had already dropped two fly balls hit to him and after dropping the third fly ball threw down his glove and marched into the dugout exclaiming “No one can catch a ball in that darn field.” I couldn’t help but wonder if the coach was able to keep everything in proper perspective—first his response (with a chuckle mixed in there), then working on his player’s fielding and attitude skills.

How are we when we find ourselves in difficult situations? Do we focus first on the circumstances that caused or are causing the problem, or do we focus on our response?

As you walk through your day I would encourage you to keep in mind the great counsel we are given in Proverbs 17:22. The writer of Proverbs counsels us to leave room in life for a God-centered, positive approach to challenging moments. That is why Proverbs 17:22 gives us this prescription—“A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.”

Father, don’t allow us to take ourselves or life so seriously that we overlook the importance of a cheerful outlook. Thank you for life and the joyful moments you have hidden within it. Help us to find and to appreciate each one as we go through our days.