There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I’ll braid my hair today." So, she did, and she had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-m-m, " she said, "I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today." So, she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I’m going to wear my hair in a ponytail." So, she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. "YEA" she exclaimed, "I don’t have to fix my hair today!"

While this illustration may sound simple, and possibly silly, it is a perfect example of how a positive attitude can affect our quality of life. There are things about ourselves that I am sure all of us wish were different, and there may be situations we are experiencing that we wish we could change. But the truth is, many times worrying and stressing about things will only make it worse. However, if you choose a positive attitude, it shifts our focus from the negative of the situation to the One who holds our lives in his hand.

Instead of giving God an overabundance of complaints today, let’s choose to thank him for the things we do have. Sure, we can lift our petitions to him, because he cares for us and wants to hear what is on our heart. But let our prayers always come from an attitude of praise and thankfulness for what God has ALREADY done. Pleasing God should be at the center of all we say and do.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, at times it is easy to focus on poor health, undesirable circumstances, and the things we don’t have. I ask that you give me an attitude that will bring glory and praise to you, regardless of what is happening around me. Allow me to trust that you are with me and care for me, this alone is something I can always be thankful for. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Psalm 19:14 (NLT).