Have a Good Day

As I was talking to my Daddy about some things going on in my life, about how strange it was at my age, he chuckled and reminded me, "Doll, you're not exactly a spring chicken." I laughed because I know he's right. I will be forty this year, and I'm looking forward to it, actually. It's feeling like a rite of passage, much like you feel about turning twenty-one.

Some of my friends have lost their parents, others have battled sickness, and although it's the circle of life, it forces me to face the reality of my own time here on this earth.

I am content with my life, and I really think that's saying something. I believe that being happy takes a concerted effort. Sure, there are things that bug me, and I have the resources to whip up a really nice temper, but dang that takes a lot of effort. I'd rather use my powers for good. Sometimes I'm reminded by people I see that a bad outlook can drain you, and I just don't have time for that. If you're not careful of the company that you keep, negative people will try to entangle you in their hot mess. Mysery loves company.

My time to build a life here should be well spent. I'm delighted to say I'm off to a great start. At the tender age of 39 (better brag about that while I still can) I've been blessed with a great little family of my own. My husband and I still write and hide notes all over the house for the other to find. They're simple and mostly silly, but every time I find one, I smile like an idiot. As a Christian wife, I recognize my husband as the head of our household and I submit to him. Now, in case some people (women) out there reading this just coiled up and hissed, I dare you to try it. Try loving the man in your life in the most sincere, fun, creative ways and see what kind of spark it starts in your relationship. I think you will find that giving and doing for someone else brings YOU the gift of joy. My husband and I attempt to one-up each other with kindness in little ways. It's not a science, but let me tell you it works in this marriage.♥

I'm also the mother of three precious daughters. They are the most wonderful/maddening experience so far in this life of mine. They challenge me in many ways. For example, how to practice self-control while mopping up chocolate milk from the carpet in the den; wisdom in determining an I'm-dying scream from a That's-hilarious scream. They can be little ladies one moment, then shift to giggling wildly because "somebody pooted". They can make me so mad, then turn around and melt me when I see they've fallen asleep holding hands. I love to see them care for one another and hope they will build on those moments, growing them into beautiful relationships when they are grown-up sisters. My prayer is always that God will grant me a life long enough to see my girls graduate, find careers they love, fall in love, get married, and of course have babies of their own. I think my husband and I will make wonderful grandparents. That should be our reward for not packing the girls up and shipping them UPS to Anywhere, USA.

Take stock of your life today. What's in it that you love? What's in it that you could change or improve? Don't forget to self-evaluate. That's always a great starting place. Be the nicest person today that anyone should happen to meet. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you receive in return.

I've got to wrap this up...one princess just shoved the other one, then some kicking took place. That part is no joke. It's so nap time. Have a really good day.

Dana♥