A redemptive perspective

Sometimes the days don’t go as you thought they would. You’re living your life, working, giving, loving, and then, suddenly, you’re hit with something totally unexpected.

Your mind thinks and thinks and won’t turn off.

And your heart is near to breaking.

But in all – there is hope. And there is faith.

At all times, in any season, in any storm, you can chose to think on the good, to pray for the best, to believe in a better that will come. That there will be redemption.

And to develop that redemptive perspective and lean into healing, to trust that the crooked will be made straight, that light will come after the darkness, that calm will follow the storm, you can create a list of blessings and not discouragements, acceptances and not accusations. gratitudes and not complaints.

… here are mine from March 2014 Happy Day Moment Facebook Page:

• Admitting our weaknesses allows others to love us for who we truly are.  {Tweet this}
• Even if your kindness is mistaken for sinister motives, don’t dam the stream of your charity. Keep it flowing.
• Happiness flourishes when our gratitude list is longer than our worry list.
• By practicing gratitude, you shift the focus to the good in your life.
• Be one who speaks generous words that water the soul, words that give hope to the weary, words that speak love to a dry heart.

• Pause and recognize the fingerprints of God amid your moments.
• Refrain from dictating conditions in your relationship and hold out an open hand to give and receive.
• Sometimes your difficult circumstances are an invitation for you to become awesome.
• Injustices don’t change when we choose anger. They change when we choose love.

• We are happiest when we measure our lives by how well we love others.
• Say only what helps.
• Use your time wisely. Give love. Give forgiveness. Give grace.
• Practice gratitude and you will see your life change.

• Slow down. It’s Saturday. Watch some cartoons.
• Loving-kindness to others changes hearts and changes what is possible.
• God is for us. God loves us. And not even our attitudes or outlooks can change that.
• We can experience joy regardless of our circumstances.

• When you take a moment for gratitude, you give your happiness level boost.
• Let hope be your compass to happiness.
• It’s never for nothing when we light a candle in the darkness.
• What most see as strengths in you, yet one sees those same attributes as flaws, choose to believe the majority.

• Delight in the NOW. Sink into the gifts offered today.
• Happy people follow their hearts and understand that they can’t please everyone.
• Hope keeps us moving forward. Hope fills us with life. Hope is love.
• Some days the act of smiling is downright courageous.

• Speak words that make souls stronger. Once words are spoken, they may be forgiven, but may be not forgotten.
• Friendships thrive when the heart and when the conversations are open.
• Try this: think of ways to love others. On purpose. No matter what mood they are in.
• Life is much better when you smile and laugh. Being positive is a sign of strength.

To love and be loved is a powerful thing. We are called to love others, flaws and all.