Transform your life by looking for the good

There was once an entrepreneur who was discouraged with his business enterprise. So he decided to sell it.

There was once an entrepreneur who was discouraged with his business enterprise. So he decided to sell it. Eager to remove himself from the family business, the entrepreneur hired a local realtor to tour the facility and then write a sales ad that would be placed in the newspaper.

But before putting the ad in the paper, the realtor called the entrepre- neur, “I have the proposed ad ready. Let me read it to you to see if it meets with your approval,” he said.

Matter-of-factly, the entrepreneur replied, “Okay, go ahead and read me what you have written.”

This one-of-a-kind family-run business was built on time-honored values, the ad spoke. It told of the business’s innovations, its lovely location, the established customer base, the welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service. Next, the ad described in detail, the loyal and hardworking crew, and how the business continues the tra- ditions established by the entrepreneur’s grandparents.

The entrepreneur listened carefully to the description. Then, with his heart quickening, he asked, “Just a second. Can you read that ad to me again?”

Without hesitation, the realtor carefully read the ad to him one more time. There was complete silence on the other end of the telephone. And, finally, the entrepreneur spoke, “Wait. I’ve changed my mind. I have always wanted a business like you have just described.” Over- whelmed with emotion, he whispered, “I’m not going to sell my family business.”

How we look at situations, and our perspective can make a world of difference.

We all go through difficulties, challenging times and unfair situations. But, regardless of what has occurred, the power to choose your thought process is always available to you. What you think about and focus on will generally determine the kind of decisions you make and the life you live.

Your future is too bright to let anything contam- inate it. What you send forth can come back to you. Never negatively speak “lack” or “limitation.” And by no means deem of yourself as “inadequate” or “incompetent.” You control the doorway to your heart and mind. Thus, instead of thinking, “I have so little,” ponder on “I have so much!”

So, beginning with your own thoughts, let go of past hurts, frustrations, and disappointments. Change your perspective to make room for the new, wonderful, innovative things that God wants to do for you and accomplish through you.

Transform your life by always looking for the good.

•Daily, think about everything that you have for which to be thankful. “In everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

•Center your thoughts on the goodness and loveliness of life and speak aloud the things you desire. “You will declare a thing and it will be established for you.” (Job 22:28).

•Keep your mind fixed on God. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18).