“Happiness is in
the heart, not in the circumstances.” ~
Author unknown
Good
Morning!
The vision of
the happy family eating homemade meals every
night, having family time once a week, and anticipating the annual
family
vacation is a great one. But
for the most
part, it’s just that: a vision. We
are
much more likely to go through “spurts” where we feel we are pulling
together as
a family, and go through times where it seems no matter what we try,
we’re falling
apart.
Occasionally, our
vacations will be wonderful. Other times they’ll be filled
with sick kids,
sunburn, or lost luggage. Sometimes we
will all sit down to eat together. Other
times there is bound to be a last-minute meeting, an after-school
sport, or, if
we do all sit down – a burnt dinner because the chef is in shock at
everyone’s
arrival.
But what makes
the difference between the good trips and the
bad? Take, for example, two families who
have excitedly planned a picnic. The day
for the picnic arrives – and storms arrive with it. There is
no hope for the outdoor jaunt that
the family craved. Why does one family
complain about the weather, mope and pout, while another family throws
the
picnic blanket down on the living room floor, grabs the snacks and a
board game
and enjoys a day in?
It all ties back
to priorities and attitude. If your priority is truly your
family, sure
it will be a disappointment that it’s raining, but you can focus on the
fact
you still have your family together, and there are plenty of other ways
to
spend your time. If your focus is
elsewhere, you are likely to mope, since the picnic probably became a
vehicle
for “using up the time,” because you felt it necessary.
Your Turn:
When plans change,
and good intentions go awry, don’t give up.
Step back and look for ideas to make the most of what you have in the
here and now.
Today’s Affirmation:
I
promote happiness and togetherness.
