As a minister was addressing a group of men, he took a large piece of paper and made a black dot in the center of it. Then he held up the paper and asked them what they saw.

One person replied, "I see a black mark." "Right," the preacher said. "What else?" Complete silence prevailed. "I'm really surprised," the speaker commented. "You have completely overlooked the most important thing of all—the sheet of paper."

We are often distracted by small, dot-like disappointments, and we are prone to forget the innumerable blessings we receive from the Lord. But like the sheet of paper, the good things are far more important than the adversities that monopolize our attention.

This reminds me of a whimsical bit of verse that expresses good practical advice. "As you travel down life's pathway, may this ever be your goal: Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole!"

Yes, rather than concentrating on the trials of life, we should fix our attention on its blessings. Let's say with the psalmist, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19).

Let's keep praising Him so we won't be distracted by dots and doughnut holes.
  — Richard De Haan