Hello ,
My wife Roberta and I sometimes enjoy going to lunch at our local Olive Garden. The food is very reasonably priced, and it's fun to "duck in" once in a while for a quick bite.
As a general rule, we are greeted by a young lady who obviously struggles in physical ways. Her smile is crooked, she walks with a pronounced limp, and her speech is sometimes difficult to understand.
What she lacks physically, she more than makes up for in an attitude that often takes my breath away. I will ask her how she's doing, and she will always say, "I'm doing great! It's a beautiful day. How are you two doing?"
She then (slowly and painfully) guides us to the area of the restaurant where we'll be sitting for lunch, wishes us a wonderful afternoon, and leaves us with a cheerful smile.
Sometimes, I can't help but get a lump in my throat when she asks us to follow her to our seats. Here is someone who could be bitter at what life has thrown at her in the physical realm, but her outlook always seems sunny and happy.
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
One afternoon, I was struggling with a challenging day. My wife was in town, and we decided for me to take a break and get some lunch. There was our friend, smiling and ready to serve us. The thought crossed my mind, "Mike, what's your excuse for not being happy and excited to be alive today?"
That thought caused me to stop and really contemplate what it means to be grateful for the things that God gives to me every day. We are truly more blessed than we realize on most days, and it was a welcome reminder that I am here to serve (and not merely to always be served).
How is it with you, today?
Do you have challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable?
If you're like me, you do.
Let me challenge you to pause from what you're doing, and write down 10 things that you are truly thankful for, that God has blessed you with, today.
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
