Many people experience circumstances that they would rather not experience. So many people are in serious financial trouble, most through no fault of their own. Life likes to throw curve balls every now and again. Just this month we were told that we must take furloughs, my garage door needed repairs, I have arthritis in my back, the kitchen sink is leaking, my car needs new tires and a new transmission. So, do I react, or do I respond?

What is the difference between reaction & respond?

A Reaction is a reflex –impulsive action. Often it is quick and happens without much or any thought.

A Response, however, is a wiser course of action, assessing a more thorough understanding of the whole situation, the people and circumstances with a focus on the outcome.

In life we are presented with choices. We must choose either to respond or react to circumstances. Know that there are ways that you can deal with everything either positively or negatively. Know that your choices can influence your health, both physical and mental. Knowing this, when faced with a bad situation. I always say to myself it could always be worse.

When trying to gain perspective of a situation I ask myself how my current situation compares to those less fortunate. It is possible that any situation you are faced with can be a lot worse than it is, so it helps to be thankful for what you have.

Count your blessings.

So, you ask what have I got to be thankful for?

• I’ve just lost my job!
• I was laid off!
• I’ve lost money in the market!
• My house value has gone down!

Those are reactions, not responses.

Ask yourself these questions…

• Does focusing on any of those questions actually help?
• Will worrying about the job you just lost get that job back?
• Will worrying about the money you lost in the market get that money back?

NO! But what if you respond?

Ask yourself what didn’t you lose?

• Do you still have your health?
• Is your family still with you, supporting you?
• Do you still have the skills and knowledge you used in your previous job?
• Can you put those skills and knowledge to use somewhere else, for even more benefits and better money?

A yes to any one of these last questions is a blessing. Be grateful that you still have all those things. Being grateful lets God know that you are willing to accept new opportunities, new money into your life, new openings. Acknowledged, it can be difficult sometimes to be grateful when all around you seems like it is going crazy.

One thing after another. So, take it one step at a time.

Think about one thing you are grateful for, no matter how insignificant it might seem on the surface. Focus on that one thing. Almost certainly, your brain will think of something else. Suddenly, four or five things you are grateful for pop into your head. Next pray, let go and let God and stay strong.

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