“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)
Some days just start out bad and seem to keep getting worse. It’s hard to find anything to be thankful for on those rotten days, though you could talk someone’s ear off about what was so rotten about it.
This verse challenges us to do the opposite. To embrace thankfulness. To focus our eyes not on the wrongs, but on the rights. See the lovely and not the ugly.
In a culture inundated with salacious news stories and snarky social media posts, it seems that this is a lost art. But we can revive it. Each day, every day, we can step away from the water cooler gossip, the tabloid rags, and the husband-bashing with girlfriends. Instead, we can think and speak about the good work others do, their talents, and their generosity. We can build up those around us and turn away from those that want to tear them down. Lead by example and bring back a dying art.
Pursue the lovely and soon it will be the first thing you see.
Have a great Monday!
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