I have a tendency towards pessimism. I can focus far too easily on that one thing which went wrong instead of the multitude of things that went right. Significant failures can plague me for weeks and even years.

Such-and-such isn't working

So-and-so is too difficult to deal with

This-and-that are endlessly frustrating

Yesterday, a friend reminded me to look around and choose to be thankful for all the undeserved gifts that come daily. Posted prominently on the wall at home, she has these words written:

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly. - Psalm 84:11

She finds life and encouragement in these words, believing as I do that God is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children. This stuck with me and as I went on with my day, it rang through my mind - No good thing does he withhold.

Discovering a new forest path on a rainy afternoon. Wonderful conversations with close friends. Previously abandoned hopes unexpectedly fulfilled. Cool breeze in the early mornings. Unexpected camping trips. As I think on events large and small over the last month, I see many of them as wonderful and undeserved gifts.

Look for those gifts. Look for those good things - even and especially when life is difficult.

What gifts have you been given recently?