The power of positive thinking

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Tuesday. To me, this has always been one of the most horrific and profane words in the English language. Insert the word rainy before it? Ugh. Even worse. For years, I have tried to uncover the true source of my hatred for this seemingly benign day of the week to no (valid or satisfactory) avail. I just don’t like it. I don’t like the way Tuesday sounds when I say it aloud. I don’t like how the weekend (both the one that just passed as well as the upcoming one) seems so far away. And, in general, I don’t like the way it makes me feel. It is just so relentless. While I really do try my best to remain hopeful and optimistic on a day-to-day basis, I will be the first one to admit that Tuesdays bring out the absolute worst in me (those who know me can attest to this statement). Tuesdays have consistently presented unto me a time of hideous inertia, where all of the problems and frustrations in my life seem to bubble up to the surface and loom, taunting and menacing me for the duration of the day.

So, on this rainy Tuesday, as a flood of particularly depressing, self-defeating and characteristically troubling Tuesday-type thoughts were circulating through my mind and pummeling at my inner peace, I kept thinking that there has to be a way to overcome what I have identified in myself as a chronic and debilitating case of the Tuesdays. And as I was pondering how to reconcile myself with this most dreadful day, the above Bible verse kept popping into my mind. While it is easy to focus and dwell on the negative, considering the chaotic and cynical world in which we live, I know that God wants us to be happy and live lives of joy. And I think one of the surest ways of accomplishing this is by banishing unpleasant thoughts and thought patterns. When we do this, we free up our minds to think about all of the good things in our lives and the many gifts and blessings we have been given. Can I conquer the Tuesday syndrome on my own? No way. My innate animosity toward Tuesday would continue to win out. But, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever your particular "beef" may be, God can help you lay it to rest. All you have to do is ask!

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10