Think a minute…Some parents received this letter from their daughter who was going to university away from home.  “Dear Mom and Dad, I wanted to let you know that I’ve fallen in love with a guy named Jim. 

He’s divorced with 3 kids and does not have a job. I’m moving in with him next week and I’ve decided to drop out of university because I think I’m pregnant.” On the next page she continued:  “Mom and Dad, everything I wrote on the first page of this letter is false! None of it’s true! 

But Dad and Mom, it IS true that I got a C in Biology and failed English. And I need just a bit more money.” Fairly smart girl! Even bad news can sound like good news if you see it from a certain perspective.

We help ourselves if we look at our problems and realize that they could be much worse! We don’t have to look far to find someone who is having much worse problems and pain than we are. 

One question that does not help us to ask is:  “Why did this happen to me?”  That just makes us angry, bitter and full of self-pity, which only makes our problem seem worse. 

It can even paralyze us so we don’t move forward in our life. Instead, simply ask yourself: “What am I going to do about it?” Then either change and fix it, or learn to accept it. Remember the Prayer of Serenity:  “Lord, give me the courage to change the things I can, the grace to accept the things I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

But looking at your problem with a positive attitude is only the first step. It’s not enough. 

We still need someone who can give us the inner peace and strength we need to make it through, week after week. Someone who will give us the love we need so we do not quit and fail others or ourselves.

Only Jesus has that kind of strength and love that never quits. So right now, why not simply ask Jesus to forgive you and take complete charge of your life? 

He will give you not only His right perspective and peace to accept what you cannot change, but He’ll also give you the inner willpower and courage you need to change those things you can.  

Just Think a Minute…