Articles
Positive Thinking
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
I’m the least qualified person to write this.
I typed that first sentence and almost deleted it. I realize the irony of introducing the message of ‘positive thinking’ with a negative thought. You see, these damaging thought patterns run deep in me, like they might in you.
On a bad day, I let my anxiety and frustration take control of my mind. On those days, I call my husband often to complain about the kids. I mentally check-out. I wish I was someone else or at least elsewhere. I whine about my lot in life, a whole lot. It feels easier, more indulgent, like eating an entire bag of Ruffles, to let my negativity lead. But like that post-chips-binge, I’m left feeling yucky and unfulfilled.
I can’t give you a cure-all antidote to any negativity, but I can tell you that my days look drastically different when I fight to be positive. Because it IS a fight. I have to intentionally choose to pull myself out of the comforting negative space (often multiple times a day) and into the warm light. There is no victimhood, no self-deprecation, no wallowing in the sunshine.
How do we fight for positivity? I choose to follow the advice Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians – rejoicing every day, praying non-stop, and deciding to be thankful in all things.
So today, Lord, help me be positive, to be thankful, and to rejoice. Help me to WANT to be those things.
- When the baby won’t let me pack us up, clean, or go to the bathroom without being held – help me be grateful for the gift of being a mother. Help me rejoice over the precious, chubby fingers holding mine.
- When I’ve spent an entire day cooking and they would rather have Dino nuggets – help me be grateful for the gift of provision and food in the fridge. Let me serve said Dinos with a roar of playfulness instead of frustration.
- When we’ve turned back from our trip for the fourth time for another forgotten item – help me be grateful for the gift of time together and a home to return to, and let me choose to play their favorite song again, singing along to make it even more fun.
- When the snotty noses keep needing to be wiped and sick babies need attention – help me be grateful for the gift of health and mama medicine. Enable me to see this season of snuggles as a fleeting time.
- When it all doesn’t go as planned – help me be grateful for the gift that is my lack of control, and let me rejoice in it.
Questions:
- What are some ways you can fight to be positive? What are some circumstances you can view differently when you choose gratitude and joy?
Bria Hyink (beingbria.substack.com)
Want to feel equipped to be the best mom you can be?
JOIN THE MOMCO FOR COMMUNITY, EMPOWERMENT, AND MORE.