Yesterday, my daughter and I had a conversation about focusing our thoughts and our words on the positive, the praiseworthy…rather than the negative and ugly. By focusing our thoughts in this way, our attitude changes. Maybe not our circumstances, but most definitely our attitude. We talked about how some people in our circle like to describe this practice as “putting it out there into the world” and receiving back positive energy or negative energy. But we both agreed, that plain and simple, focusing on the positive and praiseworthy is actually praise and worship to our Creator, God.

Today, I caught glimpses of a most beautiful focus on the positive and praiseworthy – the funeral of a great American President. The focus was not on the negative aspects of his Presidency. The focus was on his life of service, of his love for his family and country, of his love of God, and his family’s love for him. It reminded me of a song my choirs used to sing at the end of their concerts…

Tonight, I am grateful for the reminder of what is important in life.

I am grateful for President George H.W. Bush and his family.

I am grateful for anticipation of a full house of family and laughter once again.

I am grateful for beautiful sunsets, the warm glow of a fire in the fireplace, and shelter from the cold.

I am grateful for sweet memories that can block the painful ones.

I am grateful for tears as I watch from my bedroom window, our neighbor and his dog at the end of a day.

I am grateful for presents under our tree, wrapped and not sent, because most of my family will be HERE this year.

I am grateful for a heart full, a soul filled with gratitude, and love for the One who rains blessings all over me.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. – Philippians 4:8-9