“As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Positive thinking is a must for one’s own well-being and to get along in the world. We hear negativism on every hand today, and indeed, we do live in a time of chaos, mistrust and faltering and falling government. Values we have long held are being replaced by modern trends in thinking. Tried and true principles of living have been and are being discarded by those in authority. Is there a way to latch onto and practice positive thinking in such an atmosphere of “dog eat dog” and “anything goes”?
How important to our well-being and sense of self-worth that we think positively. Despite trends and philosophies we see displayed so blatantly, is there any way we can latch onto what is good and positive? I have just read Proverbs 23 in its entirety. That particular chapter of wisdom literature has a series of “Do not” instructions, warnings of pitfalls in life that can be sorely detrimental if keen attention is not given to right conduct and living. The “do nots’ are worth attention, and pertain to avoiding bad lifestyles such as greed, gluttony, drunkenness and lack of discipline in general. Within the “do nots” are positive gems to heed, pinpointed in our focal verses for today: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (7) “Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge” (12) “Hear…and be wise, and guide your heart in the way” (19). So much in our lives depends on how we think, our attitude toward situations. My friend Gene Crawford wrote: “Sometimes you must make your own sunshine; positive thinking people do it every day in the confines of their mind." (in THOUGHTS FROM MY LIFE'S EXPERIENCES. Walden, Tn: Walden Publishers, 2013, p.26).
I like Irish blessings. Here is one a little less known than the one that begins, "May the road rise to meet you." These gems of wisdom are anonymous, probably dating back a long way into collections of Irish literature. Consider this one:
"May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May a hand of a friend be always near you;
May God fill your hear with gladness and cheer."
So much of what we do in life depends upon how we think and the positive attitude we place toward accomplishing our goals. The Irish in their well-stated blessing and the wisdom expressed by the writer of Proverbs give us a good handle on positive thinking. Poet Mary Oliver poses a serious question: "Listen. Are you breathing just a little and calling it life?" Prayer: Today, Lord, let me examine my own attitude and see if it is aligned with Your positive plans and purpose for my life. - Ethelene Dyer Jones 07.13.2014
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