Metamorphosis

Instead of checking myself for negative thoughts, today I decided to proactively increase my positive ones. With spring bursting out all over, I marveled at every delicate blossom and lime green leaf. Who is this Creator who transforms grey to bright, death to life? The same One who turns my dull moods into hope-filled joy by His presence.

When the Sun Comes Out

I awoke this morning thinking about the Japanese nuclear accident. This news hit a deep nerve. Fear of just such an event was drilled into everyone in my generation. The invisible force would torture, deform, kill and remain for thousands of years. Now they're saying it may not be so bad. I hope so. Those poor people.

After about a minute, I recognized this as negative thinking. No way could I do anything about it. Except pray.

"Dear God, only you are big enough to handle a disaster of this complexity and magnitude. Please keep your hand on the whole thing. Give the people in charge wisdom. Have mercy on and take care of those affected. Teach us lessons for the future. Please use even this situation to draw people's hearts toward yourself, that they too may be comforted by your presence. In Jesus' name, amen.

A sunbeam streamed in through a crack in the blinds. It looked like it was going to be a nice day.

My View of Me

Today I caught myself thinking negatively again. What a bad housekeeper I am−my baseboards are so dirty. To solve my self-image problem, I decided to clean them.

Afterwards, I did feel better about myself. I realized I'm not a bad housekeeper, just an old one. My back and knees can't do that job anymore. Next time I'll use my acquired wisdom and hire a teen.

From Dark to Light

A dark cloud loomed over my bed this morning as I awoke thinking about a friend's health problem. Nothing I could do about it. Then I realized I had started my day with negative thoughts. I know what to do. Go to God.

"Dear Jesus, please help my friend. Touch her today with your healing hand. Let her know you're there, and how much you love her. Guide her in Your plan."

My heart felt lighter for a few seconds, then another friend's relationship feud came to mind. My chest tightened as I imagined the possible outcome of her circumstances. Take it to God right now.

"Dear God, you are the God of justice and mercy. Please comfort my friend. Give her peace in her chaos. Please work this situation to good for all concerned. In Jesus' name, amen."

Before I had the chance to resume a normal breathing pattern, another friend with multiple woes took center stage.

"They try so hard, God, but keep getting bombarded with one thing after another. Please help them, and let me know if there's something I can do."

"Give her a call this evening."

"I will."

All morning, problem after problem kept entering my mind. Each time, instead of dwelling on it, I deflected the situation up to God. As I did, I felt the clouds lift. My powerful God would be there for them. With Jesus' help hope shined through.

What started out as depressing thoughts turned into a morning of prayer and fellowship with my Savior. My friends had asked me to pray for them. I felt good about remembering to actually do it. God turned my negative thoughts into positive ones. Doing this did brighten my day.