Looking For the Good

Let’s face it: Life can be hard sometimes. Maybe more than sometimes. For some it seems that it could be a continual struggle day in and day out. We talk about mountains each Sunday but sometimes it seems that we camp in that valley. It might be sickness in the family, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, or struggles with your spouse, your kids, or your in-laws. Either way, life can sometimes throw us a lot of hard stuff.

But if you spend much time in God’s word you will realize that you aren’t that different from those people who lived during Biblical times. Joseph was mistreated by family. Lot found himself completely surrounded by evil (and probably blamed himself for moving there). David was constantly attacked by not only enemies, but those who were supposed to be his friends. Naomi and Ruth lost their spouses and faced financial hardship. Jesus had “no where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

However, we all need to be reminded that mindset is important in times like these. Most would see the climbing of Everest as a massive accomplishment. A very small percentage of living beings have stood on that summit. But not everyone is financially or physically capable of climbing Everest. More people have likely climbed one of the 14,000 foot Rocky Mountain peaks. Those climbs are also an impressive accomplishment, but still difficult to many because some life circumstances would hinder people from doing so.

Maybe a smaller peak like one in the Smokies could be more attainable and would certainly offer a spectacular view. I’ve also seen some impressive sights from some of the little mountains in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and someone that hiked to the top of one of those hills could find just as much feeling of accomplishment and joy from the view as someone who climbed Everest.

I say that because it is about perspective and mindset. The disciples didn’t understand why Jesus was so impressed with the woman who gave what little change she had in her pockets. Others had given significant amounts, but hers was greater than all. Why? Because it was a bigger climb for her to give two cents when it was all she had, than it was for the rich to give hundreds of dollars of their excess.

Look for the good and you will often times see it. Quit comparing your mountaintop experience to others and try to stop focusing on the valley as much as the God who is right there with you. Look up and you might just find that there are blessings to be found even when life isn’t easy. The blessings might be found in the lessons learned, others we help along the way, or the little positive things we see from our family and friends. What I know is that when we look for good we will usually find it. And when we see the good, that in and of itself can give us a mountain top view.

Ben