Do you have a positive outlook on and approach to life or are you generally a negative sort of person?

To a large extent, I believe we are what we choose to be.

We have all had good times in life.

Times of good health and prosperity.

Times of success and happy relationships.

How do you respond when things are good for you? Do you simply take it all for granted or is there a sense of gratitude and a spirit of thankfulness for the good in your life?

And we have all had our times of disappointment too, haven't we?

While we all hope for good times, it is through the difficulties and struggles in life that we grow the most. These tough times make us stronger, more resilient people.

As I grow older, I get to 'pinch myself' more and more over how blessed I have been in life. This is not just luck, it is real blessing.

I think of experiences I have had and the places I have been able to live and work, the blessing of protection, safety and health to be able to embrace those opportunities.

But most of all I think of the people who have come into my life.

They have been the real blessing; enriching me, supporting me, challenging me and holding me accountable.

But don't you think there is more to it than this?

Our lives are protected and blessed by a Father who loves us all unconditionally and with a passion, whether we are aware of it or not.

This is the consistent message of the Bible. We are told: 'For he (God) makes his sun shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and those who do evil' (Matthew 5:45). That's how much God loves us.

There is even more. 'He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things' (Romans 8:32).

May your heart sing with thankfulness. God is blessing you.