A few weeks ago, our sons came home from a 7 week visit with their other dad. The boys came back filled with happiness to be home, but they also had a heaviness about them this time. Understandable. The transition between two homes that are completely different can be difficult at times.
My husband, Travis, and I decided that getting back in to our weekly family meeting would be a good idea. We wanted to re-connect with the boys and make sure everyone was ready to get back into routine and life as a family of 5. So, Sunday after church we sat in our office/school room to talk about everything going on from the next week to the next few years. At the beginning of the discussion, our 11 year old, Gage burst into tears. Why? In that moment he was sad that he spent all summer with his dad, but didn't get to visit his cousins or extended family. You see, his dad got stationed out of his home state, so spending their summers with their cousins is no longer possible.
Travis got down on Gage's level and asked him if right now in that moment he was sad being with his family, in his home, and having the opportunity to discuss his future. No, he wasn't sad about that. It was actually exciting. He was sad thinking about what had already happened (or didn't happen). He was looking at the past and dwelling on it.
Travis proceeded to draw a glass half full of water, and asked Gage if it was half full or half empty? Gage asked, "Half full?" Well, it's both isn't it? That glass with the water filled halfway to the top can either be looked at as half full or half empty. It's all about perspective.
We determine how we see and interpret things. We have a choice in how they make us feel. If we are looking at things "1/2 full" then we will see them in a positive light. Instead of dwelling on things in that past that we cannot change or things in the future that may not even happen, focus on being present in the moment. Focus on the wonderful people and things surrounding you.
Choose to be present. Choose to be positive. Choose to be happy.
For myself, I can dwell on all of the horrible choices I have made and the bad things that have happened in my life, or I can say "That was a season that I walked in, and I choose to not to let that hold me back. I choose freedom and happiness."
Practice being fully present in every given moment. How do you feel when you are focusing on the good things? How do you feel when you are choosing a positive attitude... choosing happiness?
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