I Choose Blessing!

I am an optimist.  I'm one of those annoying people who always looks on the bright side.  I know I didn't get that way accidentally; I grew up in a very optimistic environment.  Phrases like, "Cheer up; things could get worse", and laughing a lot helped nurture that general attitude.  We were not allowed to poke at each other with hurtful comments.  If I said, "I was just kidding.", Mom would say, "It's only fun if it's fun for everyone."  We were taught to expect the best from people and not get bogged down in complaining.  Rather, we were always aware of our blessings.  Thanksgiving was just one more day that we were thankful.
Having said all that, I have been faced with chances to complain about the speed of my recovery progress or lack that I still have.  My poor Christina has had to hear it all.  But, once again, God has blessed me with a wonderful and optimistic person to be close to me.  She helps me choose blessing.  I am here.  I can do nearly everything I could before.  I can enjoy my children, grandchildren, and other friends and family.  I can bike, walk, work, make music, pastor, and love.  It is important to remember my sister Ruby's birthday or a memory or enjoy a meal.  It is part of life.  I relish it.
Every day we get up we are faced with choices.  After we decide to get out of the bed, we have the choice of looking for the good or not, believing in the good or not, etc; what we eat, what we wear, how we talk, where we go, what we read, what we watch...everything and every choice affects us and everyone around us.  How do we see ourselves?  How do we see other people?
Today I choose to be happy.  I choose to love myself and others.  I choose to brighten someone's life.  I choose to learn something or meet someone new today.  I choose to live life.  Not just live and be alive.  Life is too precious to be squandered on complaining.  Consider these words:  "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.  For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." Deuteronomy 30:1-20 NIV.  Actually, the entire 30th chapter is an incredible read!!
God bless you all.  Grace and peace.
Gil


This is what I call REALLY livin'!

Come fly with me!