Looking Through the Optimist’s Lenses - Martin Wiles

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NLT

I saw things one way; she saw them another.

Two weeks of late fall rain had finally ended. Muddy grounds, flooded rivers, and ill temperaments had characterized the southeastern United States for longer than most wanted. Finally, the rains ended. The forecast called for a week-long stretch of above-average temperatures and several days of dry, sunny weather.

I was glad. My daily late-afternoon walks had suffered. I longed to get outside, soak up some Vitamin D, and clear my mind. As I walked into a neighboring subdivision, I noticed an elderly lady with her walking cane taking a short walk.

As I passed her, I remarked, “Sure is good to see the sunshine.”

Her response perplexed me, “Yea, but it won’t last long.”

I chose optimism about the day; she chose pessimism. Sure, I knew another front bringing rain was due to arrive in three days, but I planned to enjoy the sunshine in the meantime. So I kept walking with a smile on my face and my eyes lifted upward at the cloudless sky.

I don’t know what type of weather characterized the psalmist’s world when he penned the above words, but it probably didn’t matter to him. Reading everything else he has written causes me to believe he was an optimist. Regardless of the weather—or the circumstances—he viewed the day as one God had made. That in and of itself was enough to make him rejoice.

God gives us the power to choose our perspective. We can see the sun—or think about the rain that’s coming. We can accept that life will throw difficulties our way and face them with a smile, or we can let depression, disappointment, and despondency rule. We can choose optimism—or pessimism.

God also gives us the ability to choose our attitude. A good one will attract others to us and to the God we serve and believe rules our circumstances and the world, but a bad one will shoo them away. 

God can help you see life through an optimist’s lenses. Just ask Him.

Prayer: Father, give us the faith to choose optimism, even when pessimism would come easier.

Tweetable: Are you looking at things optimistically or pessimistically? 

Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.