The news channels are filled with tragic events the world over.

There are wars and rumors of wars.  None of us have to look very far to find negatives to focus on.

With the Internet, newspapers, television, and word of mouth, news travels fast, especially bad news.

Sometimes the tragedies unfolding in our world can loom over us like a dark cloud blocking out the sun.

When facing the storm clouds of life it may seem as if the light is nonexistent or far away, but it is all an illusion.

The sun has not moved.  The bright light is still burning brightly; our perception can change if we do not make the conscious decision to focus on the light.

We can choose as thoughtful people to focus on whatever we desire.

This may sound like a simplistic, childlike view to some, but it in no way translates into burying one’s head in the proverbial sand.

Focusing on the positive was thought of a long time before Zig Zigler or Joel Osteen came across the notion.

About 2,000 years ago, give or take a few, a brilliant physician while imprisoned in Rome penned these words of wisdom under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:18 King James Version)

It is easy to become imprisoned by our own negative thoughts.  We can focus on the unkindness of others, or repay good for evil.

We can focus on senseless tragedy, or we can bake a cake, say a prayer, and lend a hand to those who are carrying a heavy load.

We can choose to focus on the clouds, or we can be the light ourselves bringing joy and hope to others.

Is it easier to follow the world’s way and give in to apathy or negativity?

Well, of course it is.  The status quo is always the simplest and easiest way to go.  Not much effort is required to follow the current downstream.

But there are the salmon. They fight the swift water and current determined to fulfill their destinies in the relative safety of waters upstream.  The rock bed or redd where the salmon spawn is not awaiting her arrival; she actually builds it by moving rocks around with her tail.

The run up the river can be exhausting.

Sometimes salmon are required to battle hundreds of miles upstream against strong currents and rapids.

To add insult to injury, when the salmon are tired and weak they must face predators.

Black bears usually operate during the day, but when it comes to salmon they tend to fish at night.

Almost defiantly these beautiful creatures writhe and fight their way against all odds to fulfill their purpose, to give life.

 

By Jan Penton Miller