Seeing with New Eyes

Several years ago, I wanted to adopt a more positive attitude in life. Remembering Philippians 4:8 I thought it might help to memorise the verse and try to follow its teaching. But the task still felt overwhelming.

Then I realised I could break down the verse into smaller phrases and focus on one virtue each day. On Monday, I began. If I started to think negatively, I repeated to myself, ‘Whatever is true, think on these things’, and I focused on various verses in the Bible since they reveal God’s truths. The process invigorated and energised me.

On Tuesday, I thought about ‘whatever is noble’ and focused on the selfless acts of others. Thinking about ‘whatever is right’ on Wednesday helped me to make better choices. On Thursday, as I thought about ‘whatever is pure’, I often reflected on the love of my mother and my mother-in-law.

Thinking about ‘whatever is lovely’ on Friday led me to look for beauty. To help me think about ‘whatever is admirable’ on Saturday, I looked for the best in other people. Sunday’s thought, ‘if anything is excellent or praiseworthy’, summed up the whole week, and I searched for the good in all situations and in all people.

Throughout this process, I began to see with new eyes and to appreciate the goodness of God that surrounds me.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping us see through your eyes. Amen