I have a picture of a dog on my desk with the caption “I’ve decided today will be a good day!” Admittedly, this can often be easier for dogs than humans (especially dogs that are pampered like mine!). But, this week, I tried to lean in to that concept.
Each day, regardless of the challenges and obstacles, I made it a goal to see and celebrate the good things: the stranger at the opposite gas pump telling me to have a good day, the fun design on a coffee cup, the random avocados at choir practice, the laughter with friends… God has put joy in my life!
I decided this week to not just appreciate what was happening to me, but also to try to spread the joy.
I tried to help someone at the store who said ‘I looked friendly’ (we both laughed when neither of us could locate the hunted object).
I overtipped at the coffee shop on a day when I was praying through some heart-heavy challenges and opted for a caffeinated pick-me-up.
I complimented the very bored yet well-behaved child in the grocery line behind me, and made sure their parent heard it.
I spoke to a store manager about helpful and kind service from a staff person – and the manager let me know it was the first positive feedback they’ve received in months.
They were all little things - but I hoped that they would make someone else have a good day.
It’s a bit of a ‘warm fuzzy’ for myself too, of course; which makes it a win-win.
Seeking out the positive doesn’t mean that there weren’t obstacles this week (there were), or that one little thing can make an entire day great (unlikely), or even that an effort to make a good day will be received (life can be overwhelming and distracting).
…but it’s a little thing, a worthwhile thing. It’s living the Gospel a tiny bit at a time; bringing light and love into the world in ways that are not expensive or onerous or even expected: but hopefully enjoyed in authentic ways.
It doesn’t take much to decide to have (or make) a good day.
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