In Others’ Words: Glass

Beth VogtLife, Quotes, Reality 26 Comments

I knew what today’s post was going to be about last Friday.

I thought about the whole “glass half full” versus “glass half empty” mindset all weekend long.

Me? I used to be a “glass half empty” gal. Somedays I wasn’t even sure there was even more than a drop of water in the glass. Two things changed my perspective:

1. I focused on the word “gratitude” for an entire year. (More on that later this month.)

2. A friend told me, “There’s always something in the glass.”

My friend is right. There is always something in the glass. The only difference? How I looked at it.

Today I see the glass half full and thank God for what I have: more than I ever imagined.

In Your Words: I am thankful for everyone who visits this blog — and for every comment too. Today I’d love for you to join the conversation and tell me how you’d finish this sentence:

Today I see the glass half full and thank God for what I have: _____________________ (fill in the blank).

Comments 26

  1. I am so thankful to be back in PA surrounded by friends. We found an affordable home to rent in an area that is so expensive and we are working on building a new life. I like what your friend said about there is always something in the glass–in my worse days, we had our health and each other to get through life. That’s a BIG something.

  2. I saw on Ava Penningtons website You had asked for this info. I hope this helps. It is a great video. I love it. I don’t see the name of the song but it might be there. jamesmirror.com/2011/12/11/he-is-song-lyrics

    God Bless always, Beth Phillips

    I wasn’t sure how to contact you so I sent an e-mail, then found this.
    Love your site. I have never followed a blog or commented on one before. I hope this is the way I should do it.

  3. By inclination and choice I definitely see the glass at least half full, even if it isn’t, just because it gives a better set of spirit, soul, body tools to work with–less debilitating stress and more encouragement and energy than the other option. And you know what? It usually works out.

  4. Great thoughts, Beth. Yes, I’m a half-empty kinda gal myself. Nice to realize that there’s always something in the glass–even when it feels like we have huge heartbreak. There’s always SOMETHING to thank God for!

  5. The gifts of God’s love poured out daily into my life, an amazing husband who supports and encourages me in life and in this crazy writing journey, and two kids who give the absolute best hugs in the world. There’s much more, but I’ll stop here for now. 🙂

  6. Since I use a coffee mug, not a glass, there’s no telling how full it is, much less how cold and nasty its contents may have gotten if I’ve been too distracted and careless, which is typical. I am learning the hard way not to mope about what’s in the mug or what isn’t. I’m thankful for the hope to which Christ has called me, and the power and completeness of his grace. When I get cranky about that mug, and start making more noise than usual about it, he gently reminds me I have him, and He’s all I need. (And to be honest, I have a LOT, too much to list. Let’s just say there’s at least one girl over here in Oregon who can be very blessed and still complain.)

    1. Hi Camille,
      That just made me remember, last winter I bought a mug warmer. It’s keeps my hot tea warm while I write in my “office” in the basement.
      My half-full mug just got nicer.

      Beth, thanks for encouraging us to be thankful!

      Y’all have a great day!

  7. I’m thankful that our son survived and we’re five years into his healing. I’m thankful for another late-in-life kiddo who keeps me young. I’m thankful for my family, friends, home, and the Word of God that never returns void. I’m thankful for a writing ministry that I’ve waited two decades for.

    Thank you, Beth, too. For you. 🙂

  8. I wish I knew how to be thankful for being too busy – I sometimes feel like I WISH my glass was half-full instead of spilling over the top and leaving dribble marks everywhere I go……

    Seriously, I have so much to be thankful for and with family visiting, and friends from out of town, and birthdays, and beautiful children, and a husband who pursues God first, THEN me (took me a long time to appreciate THAT one…), and wonderful friends who plug into me even when I’m not such a great friend back, I’m truly blessed. I have MUCH to be thankful for, because I have MUCH in my life.

    Thanks for the reminder,
    Becky

    1. Loved the way you said that: “…spilling over the top and leaving dribble marks everywhere I go…”
      My glass is probably like that more often than I realize …

  9. Today I see the glass half full and thank God for what I have, a loving God who holds today, tomorrow–and yesterday. This question reminds me of my life verse. Luke 12:31. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

    So, no matter whether we perceive the glass as half-empty or half-filled, He has it covered. Thank you, Lord.

  10. Today I see the glass half full and thank God for what I have: an incredibly supportive husband who rejoices with me when things are going well and upholds me when they’re not.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *