29 Dec The Year of the Lone Star Pearl

This year, like any year, has certainly had its highs and lows—at a national, global, and for many of us, a personal level. We live in an unstable world, and as much as we may work to bring good to the world, there will always be trials and tribulations for us to face. That’s just life. As the New Year approaches and we begin to reflect on the year behind us, it’s important that we remember everything is about perspective. In Texas Farm Girl books, PawPaw shares a wonderful concept that I believe is especially important for us to remember these next few weeks: shine like a Lone Star Pearl.

A Lone Star Pearl is someone who looks for the positivity in a negative situation, putting their best foot forward every day. They’re glass-half-full, optimistic dreamers who don’t ignore the issues, but rather find ways to spin the situation back into something positive. They make progress and live happier, more stress-free lives.

We’re presented with a plethora of sad or upsetting news each day. While it’s important to recognize the world around us, it’s also vital that we surround ourselves with positivity, as well as have the wisdom to know what areas you should be taking action in and what areas you need to let be. You could probably make a never-ending list right now of all the bad things that happened this year, but for every negative event I guarantee you could think of three other positive events. The new job you got this year, the new friendship that blossomed, the A+ your child studied so hard for. It’s a mix of big and little breakthroughs that make this life beautiful and worth living.

As we transition into 2018, remember that January 1 is just another day. Positivity can occur any day of the year as long as we not only look for it, but also live a life of integrity that will naturally bring along good things. And when the inevitable trial comes your way, you can look at it with defeat or you can take it on and shine like a Lone Star Pearl that you are!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8