Life is good!

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love,” — Marcus Aurelius.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love,” — Marcus Aurelius.

One afternoon, two friends, Nicole and Anna, were sitting at a corner table at a local café drinking coffee and talking about their lives. “How is it that you are always so calmand content?” Nicole questioned. “You never seem to get upset,” Nicole commented. Regardless of what was happening around her, with a light- hearted, generous and friendly attitude, Anna was always warm and cheerful.

With smiling eyes, Anna said, “I know the wonderful secret.” Nicole was taken back for a moment. “What secret is that?” Nicole eagerly quizzed.

Anna lifted her mug and took a sip of coffee. Even her movements overflowed with grace and enthusiasm, as Anna grinned, “I’ll tell you all about it. But… you have to promise to share the secret with others.”

“I will,” Nicole assured, nodding in approval, as if she were reading Anna’s mind. “So what is your wonderful secret for a joyfilled life?” Nicole asked.

A wondrous glow radiated from Anna’s face. And earnestly Anna spoke, “As I started to become increasingly aware of my numerous blessings, I began to mold and change my response to life’s challenges.” She took a deep breath, “When you count your blessings and thank God for them, it attracts more blessings. And thereby, profoundly influences your world.”

Nicole’s first thought was, “How could that be? It’s so simple.” She furrowed her brow. “Just count your blessings and be thankful?” she asked Anna, as if she needed reassurance.

Without hesitation, Anna said optimistically, “Yes! For an attitude of appreciation that focuses on things for which to give thanks paves the way for how you respond to daily situations. It can open doors to an increased flow of abundance into yours and your family’s lives.”

Seconds passed as Nicole thought to herself: “Have I been focusing on what I don’t have more than being thankful to God about what I do possess?” and “Could it be that I am not as joyful as I could be because I’m not focusing on my blessings?”

Anna smiled a beautiful smile and whispered to her friend, “The secret is: Thanksgiving is the gate that brings God’s blessings into your life. And since I learned this ‘ secret,’ I am truly contented, joy- filled and blessed.”

Scripture says, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” ( Psalm 118: 24). Your future starts right now. So, feel a new sense of joy, peace and purpose with a heart of gratitude and prayers of thankfulness. And when an attitude of gratitude becomes a habit, you recognize that your days are filled with infinite possibilities to create the life of your dreams.

When you awaken, think of five things for which to be thankful. Start your morning by counting your present blessings. Thus, there will be more blessings to follow! During the course of your day, make a conscious decision to look for the good in every situation. And look for the positive aspects in each person you meet. Once, I heard about a man who would recount to himself all the good news he could think of before bedtime. When he arose, the man said he was infused with zeal and enthusiasm for the new day ahead. Life is like a mirror; it can give back to you your reflection. What you choose to send out via your thoughts, words, actions and deeds, can re

turn, like a boomerang, back to you in kind.

The best part of your life is to come. Hence, keep rejoicing in God and in all that He has given to you. Stay hopeful, optimistic and grateful. Thanksgiving releases miraculous breakthroughs into your life. For right now God is working in extraordinary ways to use bless you. “Those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed” ( Isaiah 49: 23).

There may be some obstacles in your path. However, thank God that they can be overcome, for you are more than a conqueror. ( Romans 8: 37).

Perhaps, you’ve had some setbacks. Yet, this is a new day, so be grateful that you can set new goals and endeavor to achieve them. Therefore, press on, for a reward is coming in your direction. ( Hebrews 10: 35).

Your goals may appear impossible. But, praise God they can be achieved, because nothing is impossible with God. ( Luke 1: 37).

Then, throughout the day, say, “Thank you, God, for all you have given to me…” “Thank you for my health….” “Thank you for my family….” “Thank you for how far You have brought me already….” And then thank Him for all the love, joys and successes He is planning for you. The more thankful you are and the more you help other people, the more blessings you will attract into your future.

In 1989, two brothers began to sell tee shirts on the streets of Boston. They weren’t very successful at first. Nevertheless, they didn’t want to give up on their dream.

One brother, who was very creative, drew a smiling stick figure and underneath printed the words, “Life is good.” Thereafter, they printed the smiling image and uplifting phrase on 48 tee shirts and sold them at a local fair. The shirts, with their message of optimism, were an immediate hit with customers. Today, brothers Bert and John Jacobs, go by the titles of chief executive optimist and chief creative optimist. Their company offers hundreds of different optimistic apparel and accessories all featuring positive messages, and “Life is good” has grown to be a great success.

So do kind deeds, help others, and give them encouragement. Let your joy be seen by those around you. And choose to live this day thankful. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” ( John 1: 16). For…. Life is good!