Smile

Every morning I start my day with my daily devotion time. It helps set the pace and at least enables me to ‘start’ out in a good mood for what often turns into a grueling day. Recently I added another caveat to starting my day in a good mood. I installed a photo of my twin granddaughters dressed in little red Christmas suits complete with Snoopy feet for the background on my computer. They are both laughing and broadly smiling in the photo. When I boot up my computer and prepare to write Words for the Day, the first thing I see is their smiling innocent beautiful faces. I smile right back at them and generally whisper, “God is good ALL of the time”.

Perhaps I am like an ostrich trying to bury its head in the sand, but lately I have taken the approach of trying to avoid unpleasant things. Life is no utopia and it is impossible to avoid all unpleasantries, but I have found that I am far happier since I have made a conscious effort to implement this strategy. One thing I do is avoid the national nightly news. It is extremely negative, biased, and political and upsets me to no end to watch it. I get most of my news via a quick scan of the Internet and sometimes watch the local news, primarily for the weather. I do not get mad and frustrated every night anymore and guess what? The world has not changed one iota since I quit watching it.

I also try to avoid people who thrive on crises and controversy. You know the type; they are never satisfied unless they are immersed in some crisis, more often than not, a crisis of their own making. Nothing is ever right, and a scowl is ever-present on their face. It is far more relaxing being around people with an easy going attitude and a smile ever-present on their face, or even just being alone.

I am also trying much harder to treat others as I would like to be treated and in fact that is one of my major spiritual 2007 goals. I have found that consciously thinking of this daily is very effective in dealing with others. I have a little sign right next to my phone as a reminder. (No, it does not always work, but it is a start.)

According to the Bible, life is short and unfortunately will be full of trouble. It tells us that as Christians our “light” should so shine as to have a positive influence on the world around us. It is difficult to shine if we are constantly upset and/or angry. Try finding some things to do to put you in a super good and positive mood first thing in the morning to set the tone and be that brightly shining light today and tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Start with a prayer and devotion to Jesus every morning.

John 14:1
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,
Believe also in Me.