Do I learn more from my grandchildren, or do they learn more from me? I’m not sure.

A friendly reminder of that question came Wednesday when a Facebook memory popped up on my phone.

I had just driven away from McDonald’s when I started to hand food to my granddaughter, who was six weeks shy of her third birthday at the time.

“Oh, no, Charlie,” I said. “They forgot to put a toy in your Happy Meal.”

“That’s OK, Lolli. They’re going to try harder next time.”

I had expected a tearful tantrum. Instead, I received a positive response to a situation that a child might view as negative.

I don’t always respond so well, although I could often be quoted as saying, “You can’t control what happens; you can only control your response.”

Author Brian Tracy believes you can train your mind to think positive thoughts.

“All you have to do is keep it focused on uplifting thoughts until you form the same types of neural pathways that are created when you establish a new habit. When a negative event occurs, remember that it’s your response that truly determines the outcome. Always look for the positive response or optimistic lesson when such events take place.”

Winston Churchill would have likely agreed for he said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Much has been written about the power of positive thinking, and the Bible is not silent on the subject.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about” Philippians 4:8.

Oh, and Charlie was excited when I later found the toy.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.