There seem to be two types of people in the world. There are those who see a glass as half empty and those who see it as half full. When faced with situations in life, one group sees the situation as a problem to be dealt with and the other group sees the situation as an opportunity to embrace and grow from.
The news media love the half empty people of the world. They buy whatever story the media is selling. They are the ones who get sucked into the drama of a crisis going on and have a doom and gloom mentality. The half full people are looking at the same crisis but are expectantly waiting to see how God is going to show up and show out in the given situation.
The half full people are the “Peters” of the world who jump out of the boat and start walking on water because they are looking to Jesus and trust in Him to take care of them. The half empty people are the ones sitting in the boat focusing on the waves and the wind thinking Peter is nuts [Matthew 14].
What does God have to say on the issue? What does His Word tell us about our response to situations that come our way? In Hebrews 11:6 we read “without faith it is impossible to please God.” We also read in John 16:33 we will have trouble in life. But God promises us in Deuteronomy 31:6 and 31:8 and in Joshua 1:5 that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us.
So why do some of us focus on the bad stuff? Why are we waiting for the other shoe to drop? God’s Word is clear on this subject. Philippians 4:8 says, “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.”
We live life in a world where problems come and go. We all face trials and temptations from time to time, but our focus should always be on the positives…the silver linings. If we look hard enough, we’ll find them and Jesus in every situation that comes our way. So how do you see life’s situations…as half empty or half full?
I am a half full and wait for overflowing kind of person. Stressful situations bring out our true nature. God never leaves us, but we step away from God. Grace is amazing and is heaped upon us every day. I always think about the parable of “I was sad I had no shoes until I met a man that had no feet”. There is always someone who has more to deal with than you. You only have to deal with your stuff, and with God in the middle of it, you can always deal with it. Life is good and we are blessed.
Kay Klebba
Many years ago I was a half empty person, but as I grow deeper in my relationship with Christ, I have become a half full person. Thank you Jesus!
My father was the ultimate example of a half full person. At the age of 16 he contracted polio which left him paralyzed in both legs. He was told he would never walk. Not only did he walk with the aid of crutches and a full leg brace, but he became a very successful real estate developer in our county and was our county commissioner for one term. He is my half full hero!!
Leah