“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I have never loved my nose. Yep, my nose. When I look in the mirror or at pictures of myself, it's all I can see. Focusing on one perceived flaw blinds my ability to notice any other good or beauty. It sounds silly, but if we're honest, how often in life do we do this? In our marriage, circumstances, appearance, view of the world, even our view of God? We may be wrapped up in blessings and beauty, but our laser focus on one perceived struggle, flaw, or fault, keeps us from seeing them. The answer the Lord spoke to my heart on this matter was simply two words. He said, "Notice differently."

I'm not always good at putting it into practice, but I can confidently tell you that the key to contentment lies in what you notice. Instead of noticing what you'd desperately like to change, alter, and improve about your appearance, see differently. Notice what you like. Notice what's strong. Notice what's stunning.

Instead of stewing and swirling inside over everything wrong and annoying about your relationships, notice differently. Notice the good. Notice what IS working well.

Instead of wondering if there's any shred of decency and kindness left in the world, notice differently. Notice the heroes and happy endings.

And, instead of wondering where God is amid turbulent times. Instead of indulging in cynicism and doubt. Stand steadfastly in His promises. Notice the potential in the newness of the morning. Notice the lives spared, not lost. Notice even the faintest whisper, "I have overcome the world."

Will you try it if you've felt stuck or discontent and drowning in despair? Today, will you put on different lenses and notice differently? It may just change everything.