Absolutely Positutely

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I had a very enjoyable day this past week doing what I love – making visits with people who have been a part of my life and need some extra support and compassion. One of the happiest people was my dear friend, Sue, who has dementia. I brought her chocolate chips cookies that she immediately consumed. We sang and listened to the old hymns of faith. When I talked about Jesus, Sue cried tears of joy knowing that one day she will see Jesus’ face and hug Him. Her joy of Heaven brought me to tears too. Oh, how she loves Jesus. Sue was filled with joy and smiles with the songs of worship, cookies, and companionship.

I felt totally in the moment and everything in life was good and light. She had given me the gift of joy. I came to brighten her day, and she brought sunshine and hope to mine. Sue’s favorite words to say when she agrees with something completely is – “Absolutely Positutely.” She said, “It makes people smile. You like my word?” Yes, I do.

Sue has no doubt that God loves her, and that God will take her to Heaven. “It would be wonderful to go see Jesus. Most best thing in the world, Absolutely Positutely.” She was positive and sure. Jesus loves her and Heaven is real even in her dementia. What are you “Absolutely Positutely” sure about in your life?

We tend to focus on the negative aspects of life that we know will happen. Life is not fair. Bad things happen to good people. Those we love will die. You cannot trust people. You will get hurt. People will always have something negative to say. I always mess up. Nobody is in control. And the list is endless.

When our thoughts continue down this negative path, it feeds our anxiety, depression, and view of ourselves. I agree that life is not fair, and bad things happen and people we love die. I cannot deny these truths, but there are many “absolutely postitutely” truths that we can focus on in our lives. I am not denying that we live in a fallen and broken world and evil, sin, and negativity are all around us. But focusing on the negative steals any hope and joy we have.

I may not agree with decisions being made around me nor the leadership, but I know I can pray and release everything to God who is in control. I believe God is in control even when it does not look like it. The absolute truth is God is power, strength, knowledge, justice, love, and grace. God is present with each one of us. God loves you. God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. Jesus was resurrected and gives to you and me the hope of Heaven. Heaven is real, and we, like Sue, who love and believe in Him, will live forever in Heaven. God is with us through his Holy Spirit.

Yes, there are many absolute truths about our world – gravity, fundamental math facts, water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, the earth is round. Something absolute is true in all situations. There are numerous scientific and philosophical facts that are absolutely true. I have mentioned a few here. My focus is what truths are you building your life upon? What are your foundational truths that are guiding your path in life?

Yes, life is hard and challenging and difficult and different in this season of life. Life is also beautiful and fulfilling and joyful and filled with adventures. It depends upon your perspective. Are you negative or positive? Are you focusing on all that has gone wrong and all that you are required to accomplish? Yes, life comes with expectations and necessary tasks. Focus on what is good in your life. Change your thought focus. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 – “Think about things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.”

I am choosing, like Sue, to be positive and filled with joy even in the midst of the pain and heartache of life. Sue is dealing with a disease that takes away the reality of who she is and what she remembers. But Sue remembers Jesus and knows Jesus lives in her heart. I am not denying the trials of her family in dealing with the disease, but in the moments I spent with her, Jesus was our focus.

What if we choose to focus on Jesus not the negatives of the world? Instead of complaining and raising our anxiety and fear, we prayed and released it to the Absolute God. When life gets overwhelming and filled with fear, we need to remind ourselves, “God, you love me and are with me. You tell me not to be afraid but to trust you.”

I’m going to be positive and focus on being grateful. To give thanks for those who have come before me and whose love never dies and lives on within me. I am going to release control to God. Absolutely Positutely!!!

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