I already gave you my sermon on Sunday, but since I had to keep it short (for us to beat the Methodists to the restaurants), I had to abbreviate my thoughts.  It just seems interesting that the discussion has come up in two other places, since Sunday morning, about our faith focusing more on the positive, rather than the negative.
   In fact, as I write this, an email came in that provided encouragement for me and included this verse:  "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." 1 John 3:1.  I like the work "lavished" that is used in the NIV version of the Bible.  God truly has lavished blessings upon us, "more than enough", "very generous or liberal" (Webster's New World Dictionary).
   There are Christians all around us who spend much of their time focusing on what is wrong with the world.  I agree there is much that is wrong.  But, not very many of us have the power to make earth-shattering changes in the world.  We do each have the ability to make significant changes to help those close at hand.  Just a smile can have a huge impact on another person, and each of us has the power to smile. 
   What I'm suggesting is to do what you can to make life better for those around you, but then don't worry about what you can't change.  Quit focusing on the negative.  Stop to look at the sunrise (which I did Sunday morning - gorgeous).  Smell the flowers.  Watch the leaves changing color.  Listen to your spouse tell you what they're excited about.  Listen closely to your children.