I’m sure everyone has had a bad day. First thing in the morning you’re not feeling the greatest and work piles up that needs to be done. A few rude people make comments that hit deeper than they normally would since you’re already headed in the direction of a bad mood. People seem to be practicing your pet-peeves all around you. Before you know it, you’re being mean to a loved one simply because of a “look” they might have given you.

Okay, maybe this only happens to me, but it really reminded me of a scripture I had recently read. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

We should not be dwelling on the bad things, allowing them to take control of our moods and our reactions. Even if the day is not going great, we can still be thankful for the things that are going well. Finding the positive things in life can help to keep our focus where it should be. Maybe you’re a visual person like I am—write everything you’re thankful for down on a piece of paper. I recently tried this, writing down everything from God’s calling to the fact that the sun was shining. I quickly came to the understanding that I am incredibly blessed.

Acknowledging our blessings can help keep our focus and our reactions to others positive. We should always be striving to imitate Christ in our words and actions. When I am feeling upset, my husband always tells me that I have the ability to change my mood. We have the ability to change our outlooks regardless of our circumstances. Ask God to help you to find the positive things in your life—and then think on those things!