There was once an entrepreneur who was discouraged with his business enterprise. So he decided to sell it. Eager to remove himself from the family business, the entrepreneur hired a local Realtor to tour the facility and then write a sales ad that would be placed in the newspaper.

But before putting the ad in the paper, the Realtor called the entrepreneur and said, “I have the proposed ad ready. Let me read it to you to see if it meets with your approval.”

Matter-of-factly, the entrepreneur replied, “OK, go ahead and read me what you have written.”

This one-of-a-kind, family-run business was built on time-honored values, according to the ad, which told of the business’s innovations, its lovely location, the established customer base, the welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service. Next, the ad described in detail the loyal and hard-working crew, and how the business continues the traditions established by the entrepreneur’s grandparents.

The entrepreneur listened carefully to the description. Then, with his heart quickening, he asked, “Just a second. Can you read that ad to me again?”

Without hesitation, the Realtor carefully read the ad to him one more time. There was complete silence on the other end of the telephone. And, finally, the entrepreneur spoke, “Wait. I’ve changed my mind. I have always wanted a business like you have just described.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, he whispered, “I’m not going to sell my family business.”

How we look at situations, and our perspective can make a world of difference.

We all go through difficulties, challenging times and unfair situations. But, regardless of what has occurred, the power to choose your thought process is always available to you. What you think about and focus on will generally determine the kind of decisions you make and the life you live.

Your future is too bright to let anything contaminate it. What you send forth can come back to you. Never negatively speak “lack” or “limitation.” And by no means deem of yourself as “inadequate” or “incompetent.” You control the doorway to your heart and mind. Thus, instead of thinking, “I have so little,” ponder on “I have so much!”

So, beginning with your own thoughts, let go of past hurts, frustrations, and disappointments. Change your perspective to make room for the new, wonderful, innovative things that God wants to do for you and accomplish through you.

Transform your life by always looking for the good.

• Daily, think about everything that you have for which to be thankful. “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

• Center your thoughts on the goodness and loveliness of life and speak aloud the things you desire. “You will declare a thing and it will be established for you” (Job 22:28).

• Keep your mind fixed on God. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

• Turn your focus on what you can do for others. “Do to others as you would like them to do to you” (Luke 6:13).

• Ponder on your strong points, your talents and achievements. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

• Continue to dwell on and act upon new possibilities for the future and list them. “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Then, throughout the day, speak faith over your situations. Declare, “I can’t wait to see what good things God is going to do for me today,” “God is working to wonderfully transform my circumstance,” “I’m happy and healthy,” “I am restored,” and “Blessings are within reach.”

Believe in better days, expect that something great is about to happen, keep hoping that your dreams will soon come about, and anticipate a future full of abundant blessings. A woman I am acquainted with told me that she deliberately and persistently puts forth an expectant outlook. She tries to always look for the good and daily searches for ways to help others. Before long, this woman literally walked into and received wonderful blessings, plentifully meeting her needs.

Keep in mind that you are a creator, and your circumstances can change as quickly as you alter your thoughts. So, whatever we do, if we are to be victorious, we must stay focused on the good.

A few weeks ago, my family and I strolled through a local fall festival. Live musical entertainment, tents with animals, artisans’ offerings and many concession stands were scattered throughout the fairgrounds.

The smell of changing leaves hit the air. I stopped for a moment, as my girls wanted to play a carnival game. After a few minutes, a tall gentleman approached me. I had never seen him before, and he introduced himself as a pastor of a local church. So, I smiled and I said, “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” I was a stranger to him in a large crowd of people attending the fair. As I turned to leave the area, the pastor uttered, “Wait, I have something for you.” I looked at him a bit confused, as he handed me a small pop open note card.

“Open it,” he encouraged. “There’s a special message for you inside.”

Appreciative, I opened the card, and I read the words, “…I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor…”

Next, the pastor gentle said to me, “You have the favor of God on your life.”

Tears filled my eyes. Even in difficulties, I thought to myself, God is still in control, and His plans are for good. For that chance encounter helped to change my perspective and infused me with a new dose of joy!

The joy of the Lord is our strength. And when you look for the good, you draw out the good. Joy generates more joy. This is a new day; start loving your life again; start believing in yourself again; start planning for the future again. Look for and focus on the good…and indeed you will find it.

God is going to bless you. He has favor in your future.

God is going to bring forth new opportunities for you. His grace will override the pains of the past.

You’re going to see your gifts and talents come out in a new way. Suddenly, you’ll be completely well. And you’ll meet someone special.

So don’t allow your attitude to be poisoned by dwelling on offences, or continually talking about negative circumstances bringing up all the ways you haven’t been treated right, how bad things are or how you’re bitter about how the past didn’t work out. The more you talk about it, the more it stays alive.