The other day, I was thinking about the movie Pollyanna and what a truly remarkable story it told. If you recall, it is the story of a little girl who comes to live with her aunt in a town that is sorely in need of her enthusiastic spirit. Pollyanna sees the best in everything and by doing so she ends up transforming the town and everyone she touches.

Nowadays, when people want to put down a happy or positive person, they might call him or her a “Pollyanna.” But in actuality, Pollyanna was a realist in the truest sense of the word. She did not deny the things she saw; she just allowed her mind to open up to the joyous truth in every situation – a miracle. And, what is wrong with that?

Who among us doesn’t have some problems we could complain about, but, will that really make us happy or ever solve the problems? Maybe it’s time for a make-over or rather a “think-over.”

As I was cleaning out my old files, I found this wonderful prayer thought that had been sent to me by a reader of The Holy Encounter back in 1999. As Pollyanna would do, I will focus on the fact that I found it and am able to share it with you rather than the fact that I am so behind in cleaning out my files!

I hope you will enjoy this prayer thought that was written by one of my favorite authors, Anonymous:

Now, This is How We Should All Think!!

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes, we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry, we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and so comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory. They are so convenient.

Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly; it has served us faithfully for many years. It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank you, Lord for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today; It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank you, Lord even for that slamming screen door. My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says you have richly blessed my family. I shall do them all cheerfully and shall do them gratefully.

Amen!