Three Reasons for Our Negative-Sightedness and How To Improve It

Too often all we can see are the hard things in our days—the struggles, valleys, pits, and roadblocks. Yet no matter what our circumstances, goodness and beauty are just a look away.

Too often all we can see are the hard things in our days—the struggles, valleys, pits, and roadblocks. Yet no matter what our circumstances, goodness and beauty are just a look away. Share on X

If that’s so, why don’t we take better notice? 

Negative-Sightedness

As I see it, there are three reasons for our negative-sightedness:

1. We feel entitled to only good things in our lives (as if we even deserve one good thing).
2. We have a mindset that easy is good and difficult is bad (not usually true in the end).
3. We are just too busy to notice the daily moments that don’t require noticing. Our busyness blinds us to the gifts in our lives.

Our propensity to see the negative is the reason books like Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are  become bestsellers. We need reminders and near-daily encouragement to notice and acknowledge the positives.

The Lord says, “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He’s not saying give thanks because everything is good, but through the grace of God, He will bring good out of everything.

And while we wait, He sends grace-drops, such as rainbows and sunsets and songbirds, to encourage us. 

Yet because the hard stuff draws our attention so readily (and does a dandy job of holding it captive), we often miss the beauty, joy, and blessings surrounding us.

Because the hard stuff draws our attention so readily (and does a dandy job of holding it captive), we often miss the beauty, joy, and blessings surrounding us. Share on X

To notice the good that permeates our lives, we first need to open our eyes to its possibility. May I gently suggest resting in these promises:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18)

Seeing the Good

Finding space to breathe in God’s glory, to take a few minutes to put aside the craziness of the day and rest with Him, to bare my soul to Him, has been instrumental for me to notice God’s whispers of love. Bonnie Gray addresses this in depth in her book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.

One of my other favorite (and highly effective) strategies for noticing the gems in my days is to take Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare; i.e., to count 3 gifts a day.

Here are some of my favorite blessings recorded during my recent “unplugged” vacation to the northern border of  Minnesota:

Wild blueberries–enough to have in pancakes and still bring some of Rachel’s favorite berries home to her.

Fishing was great, with plenty of fish (walleye, crappie, northern pike, and smallmouth bass) to eat every day!

Such a blessing to this mama’s heart to see how much the boys enjoyed all their togetherness.

A favorite view.

These guys–the whole lot. Love them so!

Soaking in a natural whirlpool.

Gorgeous flowers.

Swimming!

Enchanting mornings.

Dragonflies to eat mosquitoes.

Loons and other critters.

Gorgeous sunsets.

(My complete list from this wonderful week of rest can be found tucked in the middle of the bulleted list below.)

Granted, it is more difficult to be negative while on vacation, but the practice of scouting out blessings and counting gifts remains helpful in any circumstance.

God doesn’t give promises He does not keep. In Christ, there is always goodness and blessings.

God doesn't give promises He does not keep. In Christ, there is always goodness and blessings. Share on X

Next time, tough circumstances invade your day, may I challenge you to stop immediately and take notice of something good, beautiful, or helpful instead of allowing negativity free reign. Give thanks in it.

You will likely find your vision a little clearer and your day just a bit brighter. 

Let’s live each day standing on the promises of God. And His promises include a plan for our good. For that there is reason to give thanks. 

Enjoy “Standing on the Promises” sung by Alan Jackson. 

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11)

Reflection: Noticing the blessings in a broken world takes some intentionality.  Through the grace of God, the blessing of my daughter with special needs and Ann’s Joy Dare have transformed my eyesight to 20/40 positive and improving every day. How has God provided for your improved eyesight? Or are you still struggling in this area?

I’m once again linking up with Ann Voskamp’s 2014 Joy Dare, and catching up from the past 3 weeks. Find the linkup at A Holy Experience. Since beginning nearly 3 years ago, I’ve counted over 3,000 gifts!! What a blessing! #3050-3114, read the entire list by clicking here.