My best frame of mind comes from meditation on gratitude and the truth that I belong to God. 

Every time I draw my attention away from these focal points I wind up off balance. When I set my mind on wondering what the future holds it can be a rabbit trail into self-preservation and scarcity. When I set my mind on past mistakes and regret can spiral into shame. When I set my mind on the faults and mistakes of others, I get angry and discontented.  

I find I have many chances throughout the day to adjust my focal point. Recently, my heart was light, I was praising God. Then something triggered feelings of sorrow about my dad and a feeling he wasn’t honored by two men he knew and loved. I felt sad about it and knelt to pray. As I was there, I remembered this was one of Dad’s favorite spots in my house. He spent hours in that very place. I imagined him sitting there. In my sadness, I pictured him holding my hand.  

I prayed to hear a message. My message was mindset. I remembered my dad’s slogans and words of wisdom were never “his.” Everything I have is God’s to be used for His purpose, whether it is glory, pain, or loss. All these can be used for good. I am beloved and I have abundance. I can walk in freedom, forgiveness, delight, and joy. Dad doesn’t need recognition or appreciation. He is infinitely joyful right now as God’s beloved. I don’t need that either. I don’t need a storehouse of food and water to feel secure. I don’t need external praise to feel loved. I don’t need anything the world can offer. I just need my eyes on Jesus.  

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. – John 3:29

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