Optimism

This morning Morris shared this Psalm with us

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

I was reminded that I didn't used to have such an optimistic view of things. I was prone to grumble when I faced difficulties, and even struggle with and fight against people I didn't see eye to eye with. When life was unpleasant I even (at times) wondered whether it was worth living.

But somewhere in the last few years, I have begun to acknowledge and enjoy God's presence with me. A sense that he is leading me, ordering my world, and restoring me has begun to infiltrate my understanding and reactions.

I think the best way to describe it is to say, even being bitten by mosquitoes is bearable when you are with people you love.

You would rather be with those whom you love even if it means having boring food, no money etc.

The Father's presence is at work, transforming the way I see things, colouring the grey bits. I would rather be with him and endure difficulty than be without him and have an 'easy' life. It doesn't make the unpleasant things fun, but it does make them infinitely more bearable. And the hope...

surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life...

source: Psalm 23 TNIV