Are You Happy Every Day?

It's been a full month since I last entered a blog post! It has been a whirlwind month in many ways! This is a "busy season" at my work and I have found myself mentally exhausted some days, still within the mid-range of my learning curve tracking so much new information! My job continues to bless me, though, not only with financial reward, but with heart lessons and soul lessons.

As I learn co-workers stories, I find I grow more and more fond of them -- and in some cases in actual awe. This job is the first "grown up" job I've had in a long time -- drama not appreciated or desired -- multi-million dollar decisions being made; errors can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars--not on my part but for many of my coworkers. At times the intensity is almost palpable. At other times the humor and celebratory spirit play out. Each day there is very much like life in the world--a mix of emotions and numerous opportunities to share God's grace--or not.

I would like to say my Lenten season experiment with consciously deciding to be grateful was a raging success! I have stuck with it, having had some better days than others. I do believe I have a better attitude, more often! I have caught myself before I form words of ingratitude or lacking. I have even taken to correcting myself--to myself mostly--when I start a sentence with "I need . . ."; No, I don't need any more than I have at this moment. Anything more is a want!

As I often do when I undertake a task, I did some research on gratitude. I read interviews with well-known people, a couple of books, etc., and one surprisingly poignant interview was between two superstars - in completely different arenas -- what I thought an unlikely pairing. God is so amazing, because I read out of sheer curiosity, not really believing I would glean anything of value or substance from either woman.

This is a brief excerpt from the interview between Jillian Michaels and Suze Ormon on how to be happy every day:

JM: Can you reflect on what the happiest moment of your life might be?

SO: I wish I could tell you that there was one. There’s a moment in every single day where I am happier than I was the day before and it doesn’t have to be because something great has happened that day. It’s a feeling that I get — not because of something external — it’s a recognition of how much I am at home with who I am and that I am at one with the world.

JM: Are you kidding me?

SO: It’s true, Jillian. The happiest moment of my life happens once a day.

The full interview is well worth reading. You can click HERE to read it. So this is what I'm striving for: that moment in every single day where I am happier than I was the day before.

How about you? Do have this recognition of how blessed you are - of how extravagantly God's grace manifests in your life? I challenge you to join me in this journey.

Be grateful. Be blessed. Be happy.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday again this week! If you'd like to participate, just stop by Sony'a Blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to sign up! Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, link up with Mr. Linky at her blog. It's that easy!

This has been another long and trying week. However, we have a great deal for which to be thankful!

1) I am thankful my son had a job interview this week and his job coach will take him to a job fair this weekend. He has demonstrated such maturity with being proactive in helping us around the house and going the "extra mile" to help us as we juggle work and caring for Audrey.

2) Emotions and stress have been very high at work. We have all been under a great deal of pressure and feeling overwhelmed this past week. I am thankful I work in a place where we can advise one another to "breathe and pray" when things get to be more than we can handle in the moment.

3) I am excited and thankful we will be visiting our daughter, son-in-law and in-laws this weekend:-) I think we have only seen our in-laws once since the kid's were married and we can't wait to see them!

4) My husband is about to complete a week of training for his new job. I'm so thankful he views each new undertaking as an adventure -- and an opportunity to minister to others.

5) I'm most thankful for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for me. It has been by grace alone we have come through fairly intact over the past several weeks.

What are you thankful for this Thankful Thursday?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Thanksgiving – Not Just About Turkey and Pumpkin Pie

This is a great time of year to teach children about gratitude and generosity. Actually, as parents we could probably use a small refresher course, too! The holiday season is also a wonderful opportunity to share your families’ history with your children—traditions, funny stories, and other unique qualities about your child(ren)’s extended family.

Thanksgiving at my childhood home was heralded in when the premier batch of my mother’s famous party mix came out from wherever she hid it from us. I’m not sure when she began making her annual supply of party mix each year (eventually it was made, stored and consumed by the garbage bag sized container!). We always had a house full of neighbors, cousins and friends for dinner.

While we’re talking to our children about gratitude and generosity, why not allow them to pick a community service project you can do as a family Christmas. Serving a meal at one of the homeless shelters, delivering Christmas cookies to the fire station, visiting a nursing home and singing Christmas carols are all great ways to share the joy of the season.

Read more ways to celebrate Thanksgiving at Associated Content: Thanksgiving -- Not Just About Turkey and Pumpkin Pie