Blessings

Sometimes life is hard. During those times, it's easy to get down and just think about all the bad things that are going on. But the best thing you can do is to focus on all the blessings in your life. For example, family, friends, health, having enough food, shelter, clothing, and even just being alive is a huge blessing. Things are never that bad. We tend to focus more on the bad things because we don't like them, even though they usually only make up a very small part of our lives. You can have a perfectly good day, but one bad thing can happen and most people would describe their day as bad because of that one thing. Really everything about the day was good except that one thing. Positive thinking doesn't come naturally to most people, so it's something you have to make yourself do. If you ever catch yourself giving in to despair and disappointment, make yourself count your blessings. Eventually it will become a habit. When bad things do happen, remember Matthew 5:3-12:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."