You’ve probably heard about how to tell an optimist from a pessimist.  The

OPTIMIST views the glass as half-full, while the

PESSIMIST views the glass as half-empty.

It’s fun to think about how others would view the glass.  Here are a few examples.  The

ENGINEER measures the liquid in the glass and finds it’s 49.9971% full.  The

CUB FAN (at least prior to last year) says the glass will be fuller next year.

PIAGET says if we pour the water into a tall narrow glass, children will think there’s more water.

MARTHA STEWART says that we can cut out colorful paper flowers and use a hot glue gun to decorate the glass.  A

COMPLAINER will say that the water tastes bad.  A

PHILOSOPHER will look at the glass, think and ponder, and say, “C’est la vie.”  The

GERMOPHOBIC says, “Ugh!  Who drank from this glass?”  The

MBA MANAGER says, “We can cut costs if we give them less water.”  The

PLUMBER gives a quote of $200.00 to fix the leak.  The

OPPORTUNIST will tell you the glass can be refilled.  The

MAGICIAN will make the water disappear.

We could go on, but how do you think we as Christians should view the glass?  First, I feel that we should be thankful.  Second, I think our faith in God should give us a positive attitude.  To me this is a different view than that of the OPTIMIST, who concentrates on how he/she views the world.  Psychologists even have counseling techniques designed to help people see the world in a more positive light.  In contrast, I feel the Christian sees the world realistically, but still has a positive attitude, because of the belief that God will give us both the sustenance and the ability to endure, rather than just help us paint a rosy picture.  The Reverend Norman Vincent Peale expressed this view in his book The Power of Positive Thinking, which has influenced many.  He also founded the magazine Guideposts, whose real-life stories have been a blessing to many, including me.  I fear though that this view has been secularized to the extent that the fact that this positive attitude, and our strength, comes from faith, is lost.

To learn how the Psalmist was thankful for the Lord providing for him read Psalm 104:10-15 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20104:10-15