This time of year, if you take a walk through the woods with your eyes on the trail, you’ll note languishing undergrowth, shriveled toward the dusty ground.
Daylight has waned, temperatures have cooled, and plant life is beginning to wither. Not an inspiring sight.
But what if you look up? The trees display a cacophony of autumn color: golden yellow, burnt orange, and scarlet red. The brilliance can take your breath away.
And you’re reminded: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by dullness or uplifted by grandeur.
* * *
Take a look at your calendar or planner for next month. No doubt you’ll find some upcoming responsibilities you’d like to eliminate: the dentist appointment, your flu shot, getting the car serviced, and more—not the way you’d like to spend your time.
But what if you focus on upcoming delights such as the get-togethers of your small group or Bible study partners? The lunch date with old friends? A fun community event? Now the upcoming month doesn’t look so disheartening.
And you realize: Depending on where you look, you can become dispirited by dread or uplifted by anticipation.
* * *
Watch or listen to the news and you’ll hear about the cruelty, criminality, and dishonesty in our world. Overexposure to the mayhem can lead to anxiety and depression.
But what if you balance the necessity of being informed with the joy of being inspired?
Meditate on such Bible psalms as #16, #23, #103, and #145 to replenish your spirit with truth and hope. Turn to such websites as https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ that offer articles about troubles relieved, problems solved.
Volunteers help with reconstruction after an earthquake in Haiti
And you’ll find: Depending on where you look, you can be discouraged by widespread wrongdoing or encouraged by the perfections of God and his activity around the world.
* * *
It’s easy to fixate on the disappointing and maddening stuff of each day, then tell someone else about it, and grumble together how people can be so incompetent, rude, and thoughtless.
But what if you look for the gracious people and share their stories–the kind interstate driver who let you merge into a tight line of traffic? The pharmacy cashier with the consistent and genuine smile? The school volunteer who faithfully reads to the kindergartners each week—from her wheelchair?
And you discover: Depending on where you look, the atmosphere can be clouded by negativity or brightened with positivity.
* * *
A change of view
can produce a heart renewed
—depending on where you look.
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From the Inside Out 