“We can view the bee as an enemy that stings or as a friend that produces honey. And that’s the way it is with everything in life. We can choose to look at the plus in every situation, or we can choose to look at the minus side. The difference will be one of living a life of depression or a life of rejoicing.” Kent Crockett

An optimist is someone who gets treed by a lion but enjoys the scenery An optimist is someone who gets treed by a lion but enjoys the scenery. - Walter Winchell “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” ― Abraham Lincoln “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

happy-go-lucky and never has Someone who never feels overwhelmed Philippians 4:8,9 What an Optimist IS NOT: A Pollyanna Someone who has never had a bad day Someone who is happy-go-lucky and never has worries or concerns Someone who never feels overwhelmed by a trial

Why see the in every situation? Keeps the heart in good working condition Strengthens the immune system Positively affects the function of the brain Makes medication work more effectively Adds to the longevity of life

Why see the in every situation? Note the power of prayer (vv. 6,7) Context of Philippians 4:8,9 Note the power of prayer (vv. 6,7) Attitude about life’s circumstances (vv. 11,12) Source of the optimistic perspective (vv. 13) Optimism is a developed state of mind (v. 9)

Some specifics of being an Optimist- an acrostic) O bservant (Rom. 1:20; Psa. 8:3-5; 37:25,26) P assing T hrough (2 Cor. 4:14-16; Heb. 11:14-16) I nterest (corrects faulty vision- 1 Jn.2:15-17) M ission The main mission is mentioned in Matthew 28:19,20

Being mission-minded: Keeps us focused Keeps us from wasting time Turns the impossible into the possible Allows us to see that when one part of the mission has been completed, we can be sure others part will be completed as well

Matthew 7:24-27 Luke 6:46-49 I nside: access to the Father (Eph. 2:13,14,18); have every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3); have refuge, shelter, protection (Psa. 23; Col. 1:13; Jas. 4:7,10 Matthew 7:24-27 Luke 6:46-49

T rust S ight (2 Pet. 1:9) The optimist knows who holds tomorrow, so He doesn’t fear what may happen today (Heb.13:5b,6)

O bservant P assing T hrough I nterest M ission I nside S ight T rust If we are going to be an optimist, then we should strive to: