Trying to share encouragement can be hard when we face discouraging issues. That’s when one of my favorite strategies becomes even more important. It’s the GLAD game.

I first heard that term in the movie Pollyanna – where it was explained that the GLAD game involves using our imagination to find potential good stuff (to be glad about) even in the presence of difficulty.

This week I have been very concerned about a loved one’s heart attack and follow-up surgery – and another’s long list of health concerns. So much so that ‘brain fog’ created difficulty in thinking of a topic for this week’s blog. Then I thought I’d just share real experience and how the GLAD game came into play.

My first step was to pray about what concerns me. The second step was to put those concerns on our church prayer chain so that others could add their prayers too.

Next – I tried to think of all the good that was involved, even in the middle of the medical emergency. For example:

1. My God is greater than whatever concerns me, and is always willing to hear my prayers. He is able to handle everything that comes my way. I am not now, and never will be, facing things alone – nor will my loved ones.
2. My loved ones live in the USA and have health insurance. They are getting solid medical attention. That’s a big blessing.
3. I have family and friends who are believers and are willing to lift my concerns into their prayers.
4. Being GLAD: I will look at the heart attack and check for a bright side. Is there a bright side in that dark news ? Well how’s this …a. It was not fatal and did not happen while he was out alone in the wilderness, or driving alone in traffic. Help was near and he was quickly taken to the hospital.

   b. The heart attack did not do severe damage – but it did cause blockages to be checked that could have created even more danger if left as unidentified time bombs.

   c. Open-heart by-pass surgery went well and he is expected to make a full recovery. (Praise God!)

Even in the midst of crisis, it’s worth the time and effort to think of as many blessings as possible. A ‘GLAD’ inventory is great investment in mental health. It can boost us out of the ‘blahs’ and keep things in perspective.

It’s scriptural instruction not just a suggestion:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippianss 4:8 NKJV))

This deliberate focus takes some effort and might seem a bit contrived, but there is nothing artificial in the practice. Remembering and giving God credit for all that He has done for us in the past can boost our confidence in current difficult situations. He said He will never leave us or forsake us. We have reason to rejoice.

Blessings, Love and Laughter to you,

Margaret