Good Time Decision

Dear Friends,
Can you tell yourself to be happy, and then be happy? Can you say, “I AM CHEERFUL,” and really feel cheer? Can you legislate a good time?

I have learned that my attitude about an event or occasion can be positively affected by decisions ahead of time. For example, before a family jaunt to Santa Cruz with my family, I decided that, no matter what happened, I was going to have a wonderful time! I shared that with the family when we got caught behind an accident in San Jose. Really, I was ready to have the best time in the car that we could possibly have and then celebrate at the local Denny’s! Who needs Santa Cruz? We made it to Santa Cruz - in the fog. I prayed silently that God would bless us with a treasure on the beach, even though it was cool and overcast. We jogged in full clothes in the wind and isolation and, seemingly out of nowhere, a school of dolphins popped their heads above the waves. We followed them along the beach as they frolicked and splashed. They disappeared by the time we reached the lighthouse but the sun broke through for a moment, and I remembered my prayer. Later, over a meal in a downtown eatery, we decided that we had a very special day! Why? Because we decided we would before the day began; and because we asked God to help us see His glory. It’s always there; we just don’t look sometimes.

I have a challenge for you. You will celebrate Thanksgiving in a few days. I have no doubt that there are issues that can destroy the day. Why don’t you decide ahead of time that there is nothing that can mess up the experience? Pray that God will bless you. Then open your eyes to see his glory – and be thankful!