Different people have different ways of looking at things. Some naturally tend to focus on the negative. Others, no matter how difficult the situation, are consistently able to find joy. These differences are why we need each other: when one is feeling down, another can shift our perspective.

Recently I purchased three rose bushes along with other flowers for my garden.

Upon returning home a friend helped me plant my future blooms. When we got to the rose bushes she made a comment that caught my attention: "Be careful when planting these bushes. Thank goodness the thorns have roses!"

I couldn't help but smile. I had never considered this perspective. My focus had always been on the negative notion that roses have thorns. It took someone else to shift my mind to the positive thought that thorns have roses.

Paul tells us in Philippians that we should train our minds to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By doing this it is easier to give thanks in all circumstances and show our trust in a sovereign God Who has our best interests at heart.

So change your perspective the next time a difficult circumstance threatens to scratch you and cause you to lose your joy. Choose to focus on what is true - that God is almighty, that He loves you, and that He has everything under control.

Your joy will be full when you focus on the roses.