Life experiences can shape outlook

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I have a picture of my mom and dad on my credenza and as I came into my office this morning I stopped to look at it. As I looked at that picture, memories flooded my mind. Both my mom and dad passed away some years ago and I can remember the circumstances of their death but that was not foremost in my thoughts. I studied the picture and spent a little time remembering the good times. I picked the picture up and took a closer look at mom in a rocking chair with dad standing beside her. Their loyal dog was at their feet in front of a white bark birch. It was a very peaceful and happy picture. I looked intently on their faces and could see the effects of Parkinson’s in mom’s eyes and Dementia in dad’s, but the smiles that they had on their faces overshadowed those signs of what was to come.

I could have looked at mom and dad’s picture and only remembered the final days of their life as the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease ran their coarse, but I did not. If I were to only think of their end I would miss out on all of the great and happy memories that I experienced through my life. The way we think can control our attitude and our life.

That is why Paul said in Philippians 4:8; “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.”

Life is a real journey that can be remembered as sad or happy. People see it both ways. Sometimes people focus on the up side of life and other times they focus on the down side. The dark side of our human nature will leave us thinking on the down side. When we allow ourselves to go there, our life experiences will look bleak.

Romans 14:16-17; “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

All of us will endure some bad experiences in life, but we do not have to allow them to define us. Pray to our Heavenly Father and He will help.

2 Corinthians 12:9; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

These are the everyday issues we address from a biblical view at The Gathering Place every Sunday morning at 9:30 and 10:30 and every Wednesday evening at 7. We also have youth group and recovery class at 6 on Sunday evening. We extend to you an invitation to join us.

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