New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Think that your miracle could happen today
Years ago, actress Halley Mills starred in a movie called “Pollyanna.” The story was about a young girl who moved to the United States from England to live with her aunt.
Throughout the film, Pollyanna always searched for the positive side of each situation. Pollyanna didn’t ignore the negative. Rather, she chose not to dwell on it. This young girl did her best to look for the good in herself and also to see the good in others. Pollyanna tried to make something beneficial out of every circumstance, adversity or disappointment. Yet, because of her kind nature, others began to scoff at her.
The reason Pollyanna came to the United States to live with her aunt was because her mother and father both died as missionaries in Africa. Pollyanna was left homeless.
After disaster struck the town in which she lived, the townspeople realized how Pollyanna’s optimistic attitude was helpful in changing the lives of the people in the entire village. Pollyanna made each person happier and assisted them in seeing just how important a positive mindset is in life.
Your thoughts can determine how you view situations. And they may be the prophet of your future. Every morning, at 6 a.m. our cats want to eat. When they hear me open the can of food, no matter where the cats are in the house, they scurry toward the kitchen to their bowls. Sometimes, we are like our hungry cats, and we scurry toward pessimistic thoughts.
Scripture tells us, “to be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2). So, examine your thought-life. What sort of thoughts are covering your mind? Are negative thoughts trying to persuade you that, “You’re not good enough,” “You can’t overcome the past” or “Circumstances will never get better,” until eventually, you just settle for defeat, recoil and quit?
But this is a new day. God has amazing plans for your future, and they are good, real and definite plans. He sees who you are today and, moreover, what you are capable of becoming tomorrow.
Once, I read that Edgar Allan Poe wrote, “My personal library has two thousand books in it. Unfortunately, they are all copies of my first book.” The lesson here is that Poe did not choose to center his attention on the problem. In its place, he worked on a solution by using his creative energy to persist in writing. Centering his attention positively on new possibilities for the future, Poe went on to become an illustrious writer and poet, and his works continue to influence literature in America and around the world.
Perhaps, it’s not that you can’t go any farther, you will not overcome that challenge or that you won’t accomplish your dreams; maybe it’s just that you’ve convinced yourself that you cannot succeed. Therefore, let go of the past hurts, errors, and break away from anything that is weighing you down. God wants to do mighty things for you, with you, and through you. And His divine plan is not disregarded because of what someone said about you, a closed door or a mistake.
So, when any kind of unconstructive thought comes into your mind, be quick to remind yourself of what God says about the situation. Regardless of what you are facing, think yourself into your miracle.
• You may say: “I don’t know what to do.” Rather, think yourself into your miracle. For God says: I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• You may say: “I can’t accomplish my dreams.” Instead, think yourself into your miracle. For God says: You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)
• You may say: “It’s impossible.” Alternatively, think yourself into your miracle. For God says: All things are possible. (Luke 18:27)
• You may say: “I’m worried and confused.” In its place, think yourself into your miracle. For God says: Cast all your cares on Me. (I Peter 5:7)
Then, watch for God’s Hand to move on your behalf. For, soon, you’ll see the manifestation of God’s promises come to pass in your life. God is loving and just, and His Word will never fail you. So, stand upon and confidently trust His promises. Daily, ponder upon the good, talk optimistically, and expect positive results. Even a few small changes a day can make a huge difference. Hence, decide to step off the negative thought-road and choose to walk on the thinking-positive path, which will lead you to a better and brighter future.
Every morning, practice gratitude and say, “Thank you, God, for the blessings in my life.” During the day, utter, “God is directing and guiding me to victory,” “New opportunities are just around the corner” and “I will fulfill God’s best plan for my life.” And in the evening, pray for your family and friends and picture your dreams coming to pass. Banish unhelpful thoughts, a limited mindset, or feelings of inadequacy. And see yourself healthy, joyful and contented, and you will move toward that vision.
Awhile ago, I heard about a boy who was at home playing with his toy cars, and one of the cars broke. The boy tried, but he couldn’t repair the damaged car. He didn’t get upset. The boy didn’t get bitter and complain. Rather, calmly, with an optimistic frame of mind, he called out to his father. When the dad heard the boy summoning him, he came to see what he could do to help his son.
In no time at all, the father fixed the toy. The issue was successfully resolved. And the boy hugged and thanked his father.
Likewise, when you call out to God your Father, He can make wrongs turn out right and create a way, where there seems to be no way. The more optimistic and grateful your attitude, the more joy, peace, and blessings will return to you.
So, make up your mind to live your life happy. Change your thoughts, and you can transform your world. Never stop believing, because miracles happen every day. And your miracle could happen today.
Email Catherine GalassoVigorito at cgv@anewyouworldwide.com. To order a copy of her new book, “The Open Window, 8 Weeks to Creating an Extraordinary Life,” visit www.anewyouworldwide.com or bookstores nationwide. Like me on Facebook! Follow Catherine on Instagram @Catherinegalassovigorito.