Positives and Negatives

One thing I’ve learned this summer is that we must always look for the light in every single day. I’ve learned to be a positive person after many years of work, and it wasn’t always my default way of looking at things.

These days, I thank God every day for my blessings, in unspoken prayer, whispers of my heart, and the still silence found in meditating upon His glory and grace.

That’s not to say you’ll always have amazing days, though we might be better served looking at the bad days as growth and learning times instead of negative experiences.

In saying that, I’m not saying all terrible experiences are made equal. There are serious repercussions of sin in this world that affect us in ways that are unspeakable.

My heart is with those who have been devastated by the darkest sides of humankind.

I don’t wish to diminish anyone’s serious experiences.

But I also don’t believe in living with a victim mentality (again, trauma can be deep-seated, and that’s not what I’m talking about).

Some days, I might think something was missing—which doesn’t diminish the importance of sticking to something regardless of what might be missing. That can lead (and often does) to splendid experiences.

Everything will fall into place exactly when it is meant to, and you are always worthy of receiving that which God intends for you to have.

You are worthy of having an amazing day.

You are worthy of having financial blessings.

Above all, you are worthy of blessings and the benefits of walking with Christ.

Your past does not compare to the glorious future that awaits you, whether that means in this current life, or the days of the resurrection.

Speaking of the past, it’s quite funny.

I grew up in a clique of people that were misfits—the “emo” crowd or “scene” crowd as one might call it. Talk about being down. That was the “thing.” The opposite of how I am today.

Enveloping yourself in a dark abyss and feeling sadness was expected of you in some form. Being part of the music scene was fun, and I got to share the stage with some amazing bands I loved listening to. But we were “supposed” to be sad.

Our tours were fun experiences, and I remember having an existential conversation in the Nevada desert under the light of the Milky Way with my friends as we stopped for a bit. Some parts of the past are wonderful.

Yet, if I had stayed there, stuck in despair—my purpose would not have been fulfilled. I needed to take the right road, not the left.

Music is my favorite art form in this universe (writing is second)—but that doesn’t mean sticking around with people that aren’t heading in the same direction. Egypt isn’t as enticing when Canaan is where you’re meant to be.

But we were all just kids trying to be different and, ironically, fit in with all the others who didn’t think they fit in. These days I’m not into that music scene as much as I used to be, but I will always remember my roots.

Nowadays, I’m as happy as I’ve ever been, and almost never experience feeling down. Some days might be worse than others, but overall, I’m genuinely grateful and full of joy.

I believe I’m worthy of positive things, blessings, and the highlights of this life.

I don’t look back and hold on to the past. I’m not going that way.

Thinking back to where one has come from helps one understand their progress; it’s not always negative to do—but these days I look at the light in all things and the glorious present and future full of miracles and blessings.

I’m a serious believer in God’s plan for this world, and I left all those things behind because they no longer serve me or God’s purpose for my life.

Unequally yoked friendships are killers to both parties.

The carnal mind does not understand the things of the Spirit of God. As Paul says, it cannot.

I think loving unbelievers as well as believers is the right approach, of course, but some people just aren’t meant to go where you’re going. Your spiritual GPS might head north, while the rest of them are on a course that’s due south.

If God says go north, then head north.

Positivity and blessing are the portion of those who believe they are worth those things. The Bible says, “As a man thinks, so he becomes.” It works for the ladies, too. Please note the original context of that phrase is about deciphering intentions, not necessarily what I've said.

There’s no sense in feeling saddened by life if we realize life we are meant for so much more.

Those dreams we have? Attainable with work.

That dreadful day? Not forever, is it?

That perfect (for you) person? She’s (he’s) beyond the edge of getting out of your own way and those little doubts you have about all the what-ifs.

There is light and miracles in every moment we draw breath.

If you change your mindset, think upon the notion that you are worthy of amazing things coming to you, you’ll find your miracle.

What do you have to lose but your doubt and self-limiting beliefs?

Find your miracle.