I have found the past year to be an incredible challenge as it relates to maintaining a good attitude. We have had to endure the pandemic and the constantly changing expectations and guidelines. A lot of people have chosen sides and have made things very difficult relationally and practically in a time when everyone is clearly figuring it out as they go. Finally we are beginning to see marked improvements and progress, and for that I am thankful.

Then we have encountered one of the most politically factious periods in history in the United States. I remain disillusioned and disappointed in so much of what I see and hear. As a result of the political circumstances some think we are completely sunk, while others think we are nearing a utopia! Neither is true, and the rhetoric and vitriol are wearisome.

To top it off we have had a challenging winter. Many parts of the country remain in crisis due to ice, power outages, and more. It is a difficult time for people with low temperatures, and electricity and water issues.

Life is out of rhythm. The rhythm of daily routines, family time, travel and more has been completed disrupted. This tends to bring frustration as well.

Just one of these issues alone, much less all of them together, could be cause for a bad attitude. I find myself in a very negative zone from time to time. The struggle is real as they say. I have chosen to be proactive about my attitude. There are days I do not feel like having a good attitude, but how I feel is irrelevant. What is relevant is how I choose to respond.

Resist the temptation to get caught up in all of the negativity and strive to have a good attitude. Prayer and Scripture are the best ways to accomplish this. Philippians 4:8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable- if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy-dwell on these things. The Apostle Paul likely wrote this while in prison. If he could write these words in prison, surely I can live by them by God’s grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in my life.

Find and focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent, or praiseworthy- and dwell on these things, meditate on them!