Focus on What You do Have

If we could have coffee my friend, I would remind you to focus on what you do have and not what you don’t.

Be Still and Trust God When Change is Hard

I am writing this reminder as I had to remind myself of this very thing. Recently, I was feeling very sorry for myself as I don’t live close to my son, his wife and my granddaughter. They are several states and a twelve hour ride (plus all those travel expenses like rentals, hotels, gas, etc.) This “Oma” can’t just pop over.

As you could imagine, my mind can go down the rabbit trail of all the things, moments and holidays I’m missing which, in turn, can bring up some horrible emotions. Why? Because my focus switches to all the things I don’t have instead of the focus being on what I do have.

If I focus on what I do have,

joy begins to bubble up.

I have a son who has found his beautiful life partner – joy. I have an adorable, healthy granddaughter who is such a sweetheart – joy. I do have the means to go visit a couple of times of year – joy. We do get the opportunity to Facetime (something my parents didn’t get to do when my husband was in the military stationed away from home and was across the country) – joy.

My dear sweet friend, what is your thing? The thing that you wish was different but can’t change. The thing that makes your heart ache.

Now grab your journal and take some time to think about what you do have. Write it down. It may take a few tries–a few days to put the joyful spin on it. Especially if you have been a bit of “woe is me” for awhile. Ask God to reveal to you the “whatever is lovely”. Just take steps and focus on that. Focus on the lovely.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 KJV

So my sweet friends, I pray you remember to Focus on What You do Have and not what you don’t have and create joy.