Are you at a crossroads in life? Do you need help with a decision?

We have a choice each and every day… will we look for the problems, or will we look for the good? It seems to come more naturally for most of us to be “fault finders.” It takes intentionality to be a “good finder.”

I truly believe the abundant life is wrapped in gratitude. It doesn’t negate the hard stuff. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have grief or struggles, pain, or even suffering. But it does lighten the load and bring a fresh perspective to the difficulties we encounter on this earthly journey.

Jesus said to give thanks “in” all things. I don’t believe He’s saying we must fake it and pretend life isn’t hard. I believe He is saying even when life is hard, we can still find something to be grateful for. It causes us to lift our heads up off the problem to an awareness of the beauty and kindness that co-exists with the struggle. It is a choice, and because it doesn’t always come naturally, it is a practice.

When we are making simple to more complex decisions, perhaps it would be wise to consider the life we are creating. Every single decision we make from the food we eat, to how we spend our time and money, our reactions to problems, how we manage our emotions, and how we speak to ourselves and others has an impact on our future.

What do you want your life to stand for? What most matters to you? Small decisions today create ripples that can last an eternity. Let’s note our patterns and habits and consider whether they are supporting the quality of life we would love.

Today, lean into Him who has created you in His image. Ask for His wisdom and guidance. His path is abundant life that is marked with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Jesus, thank you that no matter what we face in this life, You are there lovingly walking with us every step of the way.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)