Choices

I took a stroll through my neighborhood this week, to soak in a little bit of sunshine while I still could, and to test out one of my Christmas presents.

As I examined my neighborhood through the viewfinder of my new digital camera, I realized just how much attitude depends on perspective. Depending on my focus, I can experience a situation a variety of different ways.

Looking at the stream that cuts through our neighborhood, I can focus on the ugly trash, or the the beautiful flower. They are both reality... but which will my gaze be drawn to?














Do I bemoan the rubbish, or revel in the magnificent?













Do I look left, or right?












Why is it, that when I'm walking down a path, I can choose to fix my gaze on the scenery that delights me, but as I journey through life, it's so hard to hold on to the moments of joy? How can I learn to not get caught up in the rubbish, the things I wish were different, without resorting to blind denial?

My desire for this coming year is to fully live out Philippians 4:8 -

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."