I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Some people grow older and they seem so full of joy and life. Others hit forty and they start talking about how "old" they are. I want to be that first kind of person. I think that will have something to do with the way I choose to live every day.
As I begin wake up in the morning, I want to keep in mind the following:
1. Today I have a choice. I can choose to smile today or I can choose to be a grouch. I can choose to some degree my attitude for the day. Sometimes I really get "bogged down." That is kind of like getting your tires caught in a mud-hole. No matter how hard you press the accelerator, the tires just spin and spin. Some of us get stuck in some of the discouraging things going on in our lives and we miss the rest of life. Yet, the truth is, I can choose how I will handle whatever is going on.
2. Today, Jesus, the Son of God, loves me (John 3:16). That really matters to me! I don’t say that in some trite way that sounds good but really means nothing. No I say that as I think about his willingness to come to the earth and die for my sins.
3. Today, I can stay focused and not get distracted. I have known people who can not enjoy the moment or the day because they are always distracted by what they don’t like. The get focused on somebody doing it wrong, saying it wrong, living it wrong. All of that can be so energy draining!
I just want to focus on what matters. You know what really matters to me today? At the end of the day, I would like to know that I have been serious about being the kind of person God wanted me to be today. My performance may have been imperfect but my intent was genuine.
4. Today, God can use me to help make someones load just a little bit lighter. What does that mean? Some examples:
- Smiling at some people who may not receive many smiles
- Doing something kind for somebody today
- Thanking someone in my world whose work blesses me in some way
- Being gracious toward people
I try to remember this when I am dealing with the Walmart cashier or the check out person in the grocery store. There are all kinds of opportunities for this.
Sometimes, I really enjoy smiling at grumpy people. Cashiers in stores. Clerks. etc. No they are not very inviting–at first. But I have seen more than a few people smile in return (or at least alter their frown a little bit).
Anyway, I just want to be aware of how I am approaching the day.
Jim,
I needed a pick-me-up this morning and your blog was better than my first cup of morning coffee. I had the alarm set this morning to get up at 5:00 a.m. and exercise, as is my usual routine, but I couldn’t get out of bed to save my soul. I have been drained of all extra energy lately and am so anxious to get my life and Susan’s back to some form of normalicy.
“My performance has been less than perfect for the last month, but my intent was genuine.”
After reading your words today, I feel re-energrized, and ready for Susan’s return home this week.
I continue to pray for all the wonderful people at Crestview and their GENUINE love of our father and savior.
Regards, Michael Shane
I really needed to hear that too! I have a friend that was getting very frustrated yesterday, and it was getting me down too! Thanks for writing things like this Jim!
I think the most important phrase in your whole blog today came in the first topic – “Today I have a choice.” We must respect the fact that God made the choice for us to be on this earth another day so why not make the choices that he would want us to make. I struggle with that on a daily basis, however reading your blog every day gives me motivation to do the things that make me more “Christ-like.” Thanks for all your help Jim!!