That sounds impossible, doesn't it?
I used to think so, too. Then one day what I considered an inconvenience turned out to be pure blessing.
There I was, stuck in a line of shoppers waiting to check out at a local warehouse store. As usual, the place teemed with shoppers. Most of us were scowling and fidgety, checking our phones as we remained parked in line.
Not the petite older woman ahead of me. She seemed to have all the time in the world and looked around with a half-smile, as if she were slightly amused.
Finally she reached the checkout stand and the checker suppressed a yawn before saying, "Hello! Hope you're in the middle of a good day."
She smiled, then said, "Yes, of course I'm having a good day. I always have a good day."
"Really! How do you manage that?"
"Oh, it's easy. I decided a long time ago that I was done with having bad days. They're nothing more than a huge waste of time.
"I told myself that from then on I would have only good days--and I do, I really do. It took a little practice but now I refuse to get upset, no matter what happens."
The checker looked a bit flummoxed at that, but then said, "Um, that's great. You make it sound really simple."
"Well, I look at it this way: I'm the one in one in charge of my mind, nobody else."
As she put away her wallet and prepared to walk away she said, "I'm not handing that control over to anyone else."
"Besides," she said, "I know who's watching over me, so I just figure one way or another, whatever happens HE will make everything work out okay."
By then all three of us were smiling.
The checker said, "Thanks, I needed that reminder today. When I get uptight I make myself take a few deep breaths. Then I shrug my shoulders a few times and try to relax."
As the little lady started to walk away, the checker said, "I like your way better. You decide beforehand your day will be good. I think I'll try that myself."
Our "teacher" flashed a parting smile and said, "You do that! Bet you'll be glad you did!"
I watched her while waiting for the checker to finish my order
She looked to be an oasis of serenity as she strolled through the crowd of hurrying people, many of them texting or talking on their phones while shushing their kids.
Her body language communicated that she possessed what I wanted for myself: A calm spirit. Inner peace. Smiles instead of frowns.
As I walked to my car I knew I would remember that encounter. My fellow shopper reminded me of what I had believed all my life, that yes, God is still in control and yes, I do have a will and and I choose how I look at life.
Before I even drove home I promised myself I would follow her example--and why couldn't I? She obviously drew her strength from the same Power Source I relied on, the One who never fails us.
I stuck with that resolution and began learning all over again to remember that each day is a gift from God. My call is to regard every day as a good day even before I began it.
She was right. I like this way much better, too.
Strength for the journey, especially on those "Who cares?" days
The Bible is filled with verses we can use as hand-holds whenever the climb feels too steep. Verses such as these:
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Growth can take awhile
For me it often feels like a two steps forward, one step back process. I came to understand that's okay because I still move one step closer to my goal.
I have learned over time that my nameless friend spoke deep truth that day. It makes all the difference to decide beforehand that our day(s) will be good That simple move changes us, changes how we see ourselves and our life situation.
Inevitably, how we relate to the people around us changes, too--and that can bring the sweetest reward of all. Every day of every year.
Blessings to you and yours,
Lenore
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