I tossed several topics around for this blog post. Things like the Super Bowl halftime show or the president’s State of the Union address or how about the craziness of the Iowa caucus?
Nah.
I’m not about wading into controversy and ruffling feathers today.
Instead, I came across these words by poet Maya Angelou:
“Every day I awaken grateful. My intent is to be totally present in that day. And laugh as much as possible.”
This world is full of division. Anger. Criticism.
Today I’m encouraged by Maya Angelou’s words to do three things.
I’m choosing gratitude. My husband and I try to start out each morning with the words, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” from Psalm 18:24 (NKJ). We also try to end each day with the words, “This is the day the Lord made, we rejoiced and were glad in it.”
Sometimes we’re half asleep when we whisper the words to one another, but we’re determined to hem our hours in with gratitude.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in people’s negativity. But today I’m choosing to remember all the reasons I have to be thankful. I’m grateful for my husband and my kiddos and my GRANDkiddos. For the chance to have coffee with a friend later this morning. For the daily texts and silly SnapChats that help me stay connected with my youngest daughter while she’s away at college in Minnesota.
I’m choosing to be present. No looking back over my shoulder at what I didn’t get done yesterday. No worrying about tomorrow – tomorrow will bring its own worries. (Matthew 6:34) I’m going to remember that my One Word for 2020 is LISTEN and when someone else is talking I’m going to focus on what they’re saying, not start formulating my response. I’m going to put my phone aside and ignore it because the person in front of me is more important than Facebook or Instagram or Twitter.
I’m choosing to laugh. “If you’re too busy to laugh, you’re too busy.” ~Proverb Laughter is my favorite sound and today I’m going to look for opportunities to laugh out loud as often as possible. If I could, I’d bottle up the laughter of children because there’s nothing so refreshing, so joy-filled, as the irrepressible giggles of a child. And I’m not laughing at myself or at anyone else because that’s just mean.
I invite you to join me today. Be grateful. Be present. Laugh. If we choose to do even one of these things, it will be a good day. Do all three? I’m thinking today will exceed our expectations!
Choosing to be Present Today http://bit.ly/31yGss4 #perspective #encouragement Click To Tweet 'Every day I awaken I am grateful. My intent is to be totally present in that day. And laugh as much as possible.' Quote by Maya Angelou http://bit.ly/31yGss4 #gratitude #encouragment Click To Tweet
Comments 9
Negativity is a choice. And I much prefer choosing joy. Yes, This is the day the Lord hath made! Let us rejoice in it.
Author
Good morning, Pat: Yes, negativity is a choice. And we have to be intentional not to choose negativity over and over again. To choose gratitude. To turn our backs on what pulls us down and to walk toward what uplifts us — and to be the type of person who uplifts others.
Even the softest whisper is now exquisitely painful, so on to ASL!
I’m grateful, Lord, for this day,
though it be hard and long,
and that You will find a way
of grace, keep my heart strong.
I’m grateful that though my speech
is gone, I am not blind
to the kindness that would teach
me how to speak by sign.
I’m grateful, too, for those folk
who’ve patiently acquired
the signing skill that lets me talk,
though for them, it’s not required;
they could shrug and walk away,
but they stop to hear what I might say.
Author
Andrew: You amaze me, my friend. Your voice lives on in your words written here and in countless other posts. And your courage speaks out every single day, encouraging others to live with grace … because of His grace. Praying for you.
Beth, thank you…I’m honoured.
I I don’t feel this as a loss; it’s given at least a bit of understanding of (and I hope, compassion for) those whose world is silent, and who yet yearn to be heard.
Truly, God has blessed me, once again.
You had me at this quote. With my One Word being “PRESENT” I’m all over this. Being intentionally present . . . yes, that’s what I want to gift the people in my world with. I could go on, but let’s say you inspired me with the quote and your words. And for the record, you are very good at being present, my friend.
Author
Thank you, Jeanne, for your encouragement today. It was a bit more challenging than I expected to be both present and grateful, but I’m hemming the day in with gratitude. It’s always a choice. And Maya Angelou — she’s always an inspiration to me.
I try to be mindful with gratitude daily.
Author
Denise: It’s always good to see you here! And yes, as you say, gratitude is a mindset.