Where's your focus?

I have a hard time taking a compliment.
That probably started when I was a kid. I'd draw a picture. Someone would say it was a good drawing and I'd deny it. I guess that seemed like the thing to do - the thing I saw modeled.
As I've grown older, I've noticed that my brain seems to go on autopilot when someone gives me a compliment and later I find myself trying to recall what that person really did say.
Oh, but a criticism?
I seem to recall those for years.
Today, someone gave me a lovely compliment about an interview for a story I recently conducted. I deflected the compliment.
Later, someone else brought up a small point about a different subject.
I went home fighting discouragement and prayed for the Lord to encourage me.
A thought hit.
Maybe I just need to change my focus. Instead of focusing on the small point - about which I can't do anything - perhaps I should focus on the compliment - or what I remember of it.
I think the Lord provides us with encouragement each day. We just need to make a point of looking for it.
Years ago, I had a friend who'd call occasionally. Whenever that person called, I was supposed to tell about 10 good things that had happened that day.
At first, it was hard. I was a single mom struggling in my job and to make ends meet.
But after about the second call, I was prepared. By the third call, I had no problems telling about good things that had occurred.
At one point, I even wrote a list of 50 blessings and posted it on my refrigerator.
I eventually met and married a wonderful man. We have two great sons and groovy daughter-in-law with a grandbaby on the way.
I have much for which to be thankful.
Even if I didn't have all of this, I'd still have the love of Christ and our Heavenly Father and the comfort and counsel of the Holy Spirit.
I still live in what I believe is the greatest country on earth. I have a loving church family.
I could go on and on.
And maybe that's what I need to do later: Count my blessings and post them on the refrigerator.
Sounds like some good spiritual nutrition to me!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:1.

Blessings,

Tammy