Positive Thinking

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV 

I’m the least qualified person to write this. 

I typed that first sentence and almost deleted it. I realize the irony of introducing the message of ‘positive thinking’ with a negative thought. You see, these damaging thought patterns run deep in me, like they might in you. 

On a bad day, I let my anxiety and frustration take control of my mind. On those days, I call my husband often to complain about the kids. I mentally check-out. I wish I was someone else or at least elsewhere. I whine about my lot in life, a whole lot. It feels easier, more indulgent, like eating an entire bag of Ruffles, to let my negativity lead. But like that post-chips-binge, I’m left feeling yucky and unfulfilled. 

I can’t give you a cure-all antidote to any negativity, but I can tell you that my days look drastically different when I fight to be positive. Because it IS a fight. I have to intentionally choose to pull myself out of the comforting negative space (often multiple times a day) and into the warm light. There is no victimhood, no self-deprecation, no wallowing in the sunshine.  

How do we fight for positivity? I choose to follow the advice Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians – rejoicing every day, praying non-stop, and deciding to be thankful in all things. 

So today, Lord, help me be positive, to be thankful, and to rejoice. Help me to WANT to be those things. 

• When the baby won’t let me pack us up, clean, or go to the bathroom without being held – help me be grateful for the gift of being a mother. Help me rejoice over the precious, chubby fingers holding mine. 
• When I’ve spent an entire day cooking and they would rather have Dino nuggets – help me be grateful for the gift of provision and food in the fridge. Let me serve said Dinos with a roar of playfulness instead of frustration. 

• When we’ve turned back from our trip for the fourth time for another forgotten item – help me be grateful for the gift of time together and a home to return to, and let me choose to play their favorite song again, singing along to make it even more fun. 
• When the snotty noses keep needing to be wiped and sick babies need attention – help me be grateful for the gift of health and mama medicine. Enable me to see this season of snuggles as a fleeting time. 
• When it all doesn’t go as planned – help me be grateful for the gift that is my lack of control, and let me rejoice in it. 

Questions: 

• What are some ways you can fight to be positive? What are some circumstances you can view differently when you choose gratitude and joy? 

Bria Hyink  (beingbria.substack.com)