Celebrating Good

I look around, and I see a world that God spoke into being.  With just a word, the heavens and the earth came into existence.  And when God created this world, it was GOOD.  The light was good.  The sky, land, and sea were good.  The plants and animals were good.  Mankind, created in God's image, was GOOD.  God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. 

Well...it was good at least. In this crazy life we live, there are a lot of things that seem hurtful and painful and just plain destructive.  The fact is, this old world is slowly wearing out. And on top of that, there is war and fighting. There are natural disasters...seemingly more now than there have ever been. And we are all a sinful people with sinful natures who just outright mess up...a lot. It's no wonder that sometimes I find myself getting stuck focusing on the negative.  

I'm realizing that there really are good things all around us though, and I just need to step up and recognize them. 

Orange and pink sunsets
Bible verses that speak to your soul
Spring flower blooms
Encouragement exactly when needed
Babies laughing and cooing
Smiles that light up your entire face
Promises of rainbows
Friends who know your soul and protect your heart
Morning dew drops catching early morning rays of light
Answered prayers
Life nourishing rain

Sometimes it comes easy.  In the high points of life, it's easy to be positive and see good in everything.  But there are often times when I need to force myself to find the good amidst the storms that rage in life.  I love how God still creates good even the darkest times, and I want to make sure I celebrate His goodness and the good blessings He gives.

I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.