“Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.” ~Jack Buck (1924-2002), American sportscaster
It’s Monday. If I’m not careful, I can drag the “should ofs” and “could ofs” from last week right into this week.
And that’s a lousy way to start a Monday. Or any day, for that matter.
Last week? D-O-N-E.
This week? Ahead of me. And as far as I know, I have today, tomorrow, and the days after that …
Did everything go according to my expectations last week?
Nope.
I bet if I asked you the same question, you’d give me the same answer. The real question is: What are we gonna do about it? Are we going to make the best of it — or are we going to make the worst of it?
And here’s another thing I just thought of: Why should I concentrate on the times when my expectations were disappointed? Why not laser in on the times when I was surprised by joy? Astounded by love? Taken out at the knees by grace? Bowled over by encouragement?
It’s Monday. Let’s make the best of it, shall we?
In Your Words: Are you a “make the best of it” kind of person? How do you embrace the best instead of focusing on the disappointments? And if you’re thinking, “Well, no, I’m not good at making the best of it,” — do you know someone who is? How do they do it?
Comments 21
I’ll be honest, at first I kinda have a mini-breakdown but then I do make the best. When I’m calm and have a good attitude, things really do seem to turn out okay.
Yeah, sometimes the mini-breakdown has to happen before the calm arrives. I understand.
🙂
Surprised by joy? Astounded by love? Taken out at the knees by grace? Bowled over by encouragement? Love these phrases and images. Yes, let’s claim rolling up a bowled by encouragement score of a full 300 today!
I love how you took my words and made ’em your own, Dee!
I’m all for making the best of it. All in!
~ Wendy
I kinda knew you would be, Wendy!
😉
I almost never get all the stuff marked off of my to-do list. That can be really discouraging. But I’m learning to go with it more often, to rearrange and accept that God may have something different planned for me than I had planned for myself.
I’ve heard it said that God is in all those interruptions, Lindsay. And I’m coming to believe that more and more. Although some days it’s easier than others.
I am one of those “make the best of it” people. Last week’s stated goal: 5K
What I really wanted to write- 10K
What I actually wrote: 6K
Even though I met my stated goal, the 10K was what I really wanted to write. So I was a little disappointed going into Saturday. But today is a new week. Goal: 6K – I add a thousand to the goals I meet. We’ll see….
Great post, Beth!
Pat, Having hung around you for a while, I believe that: You are a “make the best of it” person. That’s one of the things I like about you.
Great thoughts today. 🙂 I am usually a “make the best of it” kind of gal. I do have times, though, where I become overwhelmed. I think my kids are teaching me to let go of the disappointments, and the “should/could/would-haves” more quickly than I used to. For me, I think a combination of praying over the undone things in the past week and choosing not to dwell on them help. I also commit each day to the Lord in the morning. Knowing I’ve asked Him to orchestrate what happens in my day helps me to release those things that didn’t get done.
Jeanne,
Raising kiddos certainly teaches perspective, doesn’t it?
I love this post. I needed this post. Last week is done. Yesterday is done. God’s mercies are new EVERY morning!
Katie:
Every morning: new mercies from God.
Yes!
🙂
After the initial shock of disappointment wears off, I find myself accepting and moving on. Worrying or stewing about it won’t change a thing. But I can certainly choose how to respond. And that could save/break friendships. Thanks for these reminders today that we choose our attitude – not let our circumstances dictate it.
Donna,
As both you and Jess point out: We have have acknowledge initial reaction. I am learning not to anchor myself to those feelings and move on.
I think I’m mostly a “make the best of it” person…but sometimes it takes a couple minutes of pouting and then prayer to get me there. 🙂
One of the many things I love about Sundays is the fact that it feels like this in-between day…in my schedule, it doesn’t really end my week or begin my week. It’s like this in-between day where I can let the previous week go and gear up for the new week. I would be a wreck on Mondays without Sundays. 🙂
Agreed, Melissa, agreed.
I am so thankful for Sundays. I try to “power down” on Sundays — if not completely “power off.”
Someone I notice making the best of it everyday is my sister. She just takes one challenge at a time and let’s the next day worry for itself. She rolls with whatever information and resources she has at that moment and believes that God will provide. I love this about her!
I’m a “make the best of it” kind of person! – you know, have lemons, make lemonade.
I’m a make the best of it kind of gal. My husband has said that one of my strengths and one of my downfalls is giving people and things another “chance.” I love looking for the best in something. I’ve had family and friends refer to me as Pollyanna – I love playing the Glad Game in life. 😉