FOCUSING ON WHAT IS AVAILABE AND NOT WHAT IS MISSING

Once upon a time, there was a young girl whose life took a sudden turn for the worse. Her family lost their home, their savings vanished, and they were forced to move into a gloomy apartment with no windows. As their circumstances worsened, the girl’s heart sank deeper into despair. She couldn’t shake off the negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, and even suicidal ideations that began to cloud her mind. Her mental and emotional health deteriorated, while her surroundings remained unchanged.

Amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. The girl decided to shift her focus from what she lacked to what she still had. Despite living in a windowless apartment, she began to appreciate the little things: the warmth of her family’s love, the kindness of friends, and the simple joys of life.

As she cultivated gratitude for these blessings, a remarkable transformation began to take place. The negative thoughts that had once consumed her started to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and resilience. Her mental and emotional well-being gradually improved, even as her external circumstances remained unchanged.

The girl’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and hope by focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack.

The Bible verse that comes to mind when I think of this story is Philippians 4:12-13, which says:

"I know how to be poor, and I know how to be rich. In any and all circumstances, I have learned the secret of being content, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all this through him who strengthens me."

What does this verse mean?

It means that we can be content in any situation, no matter what we have or don’t have. This is because our contentment comes from God, not from our circumstances.

The content of our lives will not change our lives; it is the context of our lives that changes our lives.

How can we focus on what is available and not what is missing?

• Cultivate gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, big or small. This could be anything from your health and family to your home and job. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and appreciate the simple things around you. Notice the beauty of nature, the warmth of the sun, or the kindness of strangers. (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10)
• Engage in Activities that Bring Joy: Pursue hobbies, interests, or activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment. Dedicate time to things that make your heart sing. (Psalm 90:12)
• Surround yourself with positive people. Seek out the company of supportive and uplifting individuals who inspire and encourage you. Avoid those who bring negativity or drain your energy. (Proverbs 13:20)
• Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Nurture your body through healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
• Count your blessings: Keep a gratitude journal or make a daily list of things you are thankful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. (Psalm 103:1-2)

“And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.”

• Help others: Find ways to serve and support others in your community. Helping those in need can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your own life. (James 1:27)
• Celebrate your achievements: Recognize and acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Taking pride in your progress can boost your confidence and self-esteem. (Philippians 4:8)
• Embrace imperfection: Accept that life is full of ups and downs and that setbacks are inevitable. Don’t strive for perfection; instead, focus on continuous growth and improvement. (Romans 5:3-5)
• Seek spiritual guidance. Connect with your faith and find solace in God’s love and grace. Prayer, meditation, and spiritual readings can provide comfort and inner peace. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

In summary, focusing on what is available instead of what is missing is a choice that we can make each day. When we choose to focus on the positive, we open ourselves up to a life of happiness, contentment, success, and fruitfulness in the work that the Lord has committed to our hands.