Grace Through the Fog

Ok, it’s a little old but it’s certainly not outdated. Whenever life’s stress begins to take its toll I find renewed peace in Dr. Peale’s words:

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. 

Oh, my goodness!  This is pretty much what I said a few days ago when I was talking about attitudes about work.  The Bible also has some words to compliment Dr. Peale's thoughts.  It says, "What a man thinks in his heart, so is he."  Proverbs 23:7.

Attitude is everything, isn't it?  People can read on your face the type of attitude someone has.  Do you really want the world to see anger, frustration, jealousy, or anything negative when they look at you?  A smile takes but a second, but it could change someone's entire day.  And believe it or not, it will change your day, too.  Try it and see what happens with you.  You might be surprised.


I have to admit, this doesn't come naturally to me.  I am a very private person and have a very definite private space (at least until I get to know you).  It's almost as if I have to physically and mentally change my attitude; it really is almost a physical thing that I chose (this is the key) to do.


If someone treats me poorly, it's very difficult for me to chose to walk away and not let it bother me.  It's almost impossible for me to pray for that person in a positive way (Lord, get her! isn't exactly the right way to pray, even though we'd love to pray that way.).  Most of the time, though, I do pray for that person and ask God to heal the damaged areas of his or her life and to bless them.

You don't have to have a special place or time to pray.  I find myself praying all through the day...little snippets, if you will.  The Lord hears it all.  He tenderly comforts me when I'm upset and uplifts me when I'm feeling down.  He also corrects me and keeps me on the right path.  I really don't know what I would do without Him in my life.