Optimism Eludes Me, sometimes.

Sometimes, I think that things are just so hard. The day is hard, my life seems hard, what I have in front of me is overwhelming...you know, life. And then I get a glimpse, or a FULL frontal view of how wrong I am. My life, with all it's precarious balancing, never ending tasks, and the plethora of people who rely on me, is blessed.

I'm not trying to dismiss my challenges and hardships. I'm trying to keep it perspective.

I like to think that I am an optimist, but that may be overly optimistic on my part. No, I tend to get down, look at where my life falls short, complain about the things that are going on, etc. But I am blessed by my Lord and Savior, who gives me JUST ENOUGH optimism to remind me to look on the bright side when this happens. ha! Seriously, sometime gently, sometimes not-so-gently, I am re-reminded of what is good, what is pure, what is noble.

Regardless of my situation, no matter how bleak, or even how self-inflicted my pain might be, I have to choose - make a choice for - decide on- fix upon - gratitude. Daily.

Finally, ... 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. Philipians 4:8