When we look back at memories, we often remember what went wrong, rather than anything that went well. We might have had a good journey, but the thing that most comes to mind was that we almost ran out of petrol. We might have had a lovely coffee with a friend, but the bit we dwell on was that there was a draught from the door. We often fixate on the bit that was less than perfect or even almost went wrong!

Scientists speak of how our brains naturally have a negative bias. It is something primal, so we don’t overlook something that is a potential threat or danger. We tend to see the world through a distorted lens.

This makes the understanding and  narration of events so difficult, as they are always interpreted through our own perception. If we are aware that we can at times over emphasise the negative, then the repair is to be thankful. The psalms are full of calls to be thankful. ‘ Give thanks to the Lord for He is good’ psalm 107;1 .Part of the prayer The Examen, is to spend time at the end of each day noticing the good ways God has been at work in our lives, and this is indeed a healing thing to do.

To add another twist in this however, is that sometimes we are so busy trying to be thankful, that we characterise something difficult or damaging through rose coloured glasses. We make excuses for things, we try to see the best in people, where actually the darkness is deeper than we thought. Having this realisation I think is one of the saddest place to be.

The Bible talks of us all being sinners, and that we all are called to be honest about our failings and shortcomings. This is liberating, as because of the cross, God offers us forgives for our wrongdoing. But when we realise how rebellious we are as a human race, what our capability to destroy is, it is salutary, as we all contribute to what is wrong in the world.

Jesus calls us to live in balance- yes to be aware of the darkness, but also to choose to live in the light. As we get older I think this is more difficult, as there are so many shadows. We ask the holy spirit to help us. If we have a tendency to negativity, then we pray to notice what is good and hopeful. If we think the world is always a lovely place, may we ask for insight as to the heartbreaks around us, so we may play our part to bring consolation and healing to those in pain. May God give to us all the grace that we need for whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, so we can console as well as being consoled.

Eternal Father, You have created this to be a beautiful and inspirational world, with a myriad of colour and form and texture. There are seasons in our lives when we are off balance, especially when we are noticing only the negative and the cruel. Lord Jesus call us out of the darkness, remind us of all that is noble, true, beautiful and good, pure and lovely. May our attention dwell on these, so that our soul is healed. May your Holy Spirit touch our lives and rekindle our love though an outpouring of your joyful abundance of love, that we be reminded of our true identity in You, and learn to dance in freedom once more. For your precious Son’s sake, Amen