Infectious. Her four-year-old giggle ricocheted off the walls and rolled on the floor. It crawled inside my soul making it impossible to listen to without smiling. How long had it been since I had noticed how deep-down good a child’s laugh feels?
Whatever is lovely — think about such things.
A flash of color snatched the corner of my eye and dragged me to a stop. When I turned, there it was. Just a partial arc, barely visible, the rainbow was stunning nonetheless. I paused this time to enjoy it, wondering as others hurried by how often I have been oblivious to such a masterpiece of heavenly art.
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
A lone, unaccompanied voice echoing across the newly mowed grounds of the cemetery, she sang while others wept. A clear, sweet voice alive with passion surrounded by graves, her words were familiar: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.” She made a tired, old song seem newborn.
Whatever is noble — think on these things.
No word was spoken, but the message rang clear. He stood tall and lean, speaking of strength — strength to stand proudly through countless storms of unnumbered winters. He whispered of endurance — of surviving and growing through repeated cycles of drought and downpour. He was a majestic oak, and his towering branches waving in sunlight shadow dancing through breeze-blown leaves preached a powerful sermon about the importance of roots.
Whatever is admirable — think about such things.
Simple pleasures surround us. Usually, they come totally toll-free, generously provided by a loving Father wishing to bless our lives with an uncomplicated joy. Too often we miss them, too preoccupied with the ugly to enjoy all that is beautiful.
Bad news snares our attention. It is a constant in our CNN society. Remember, though, that it is news because it is the exception, not the norm. ISIL lives on the front page because most religious groups are not violent. A murder makes the top story because most men would never commit one. We notice the exceptions, but let’s not forget the norm.
What should never be ignored is the often unheralded, always present good news. Ours is an indescribably beautiful world, created by one whose love and power know no limit. And that One longs for a loving, lasting relationship with you.
Whatever is true — think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Keith Wishum is minister, Williams Road Church of Christ, Americus.