Positive Attitudes

Families grow stronger as individuals in them develop positive attitudes. People with positive outlooks on life draw others to them while negative attitudes push people away. Attitude is important because it affects us spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. The good thing is that we can change our outlook by changing our thoughts and actions.

“Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive…. Walk in righteousness and the Lord will bless you and prosper you and you will be a happy and wonderful [person]” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Stand A Little Taller, p 366).

We must look for the silver lining behind every dark cloud or we will miss seeing many hidden blessings. A couple of months ago my son’s wife fell while picking blueberries at Hatchers Pass. Because she hit a rock with her head and lost consciousness, an ambulance was called. After an $8000 ride to a hospital plus x-rays and other tests, she was informed that she had a baseball-size tumor growing in her brain. Without the fall and the bump on the head, the tests would not have been done and the tumor would not have been found. We consider it a miracle – a hidden blessing - that the tumor was found before it manifested itself in other ways or became more serious. The tumor was declared to be non-malignant, but there is still a chance that it will come back more aggressive.

My daughter-in-law now knows that her time on earth may be limited, and she is making those choices that will help to prolong her life and health. Her positive attitude is helping her to heal quicker and move forward with her life. She considers that she was given a gift of time.

I am convinced that Heavenly Father sends many hidden blessings into our lives. He shows His great love for His children through His tender mercies. It is easier for us to see those hidden blessings and express gratitude for them when we have positive attitudes.