A Daily Attitude Adjustment
Do you ever wake up with so much on your mind that you wish you had a Not-to-Do List rather than an over-whelming To-Do List?
Where to even start, huh?
First things first. Don’t panic. That’s what our family says when the list is longer than the hours in the day to get it all done. It’s important to get the right perspective before the day even starts. Our first thought should be “Thank you, Lord, that you’ve allowed me to see another day.” Many people didn’t make it through the night, but God opened your eyes.
Second, can you swing your legs to the side of the bed and stand up? “Thank you, Lord, that I’m on my feet this morning.” The list begins to lengthen when you realize the awesomeness of being alive to see another day and to do things.
The steps continue… to the bathroom for some much-needed relief (thank Him that it’s indoors), on to the sink to brush our teeth (thank the Lord you have some teeth), a wet cloth to wipe our still-sleepy eyes… ah, on to the kitchen to start our coffee. So much to thank Him for, and the day just started.
You get the idea. Our To-Do List must start with thankfulness to the Lord. I like to pray: “Thank you, Lord, that I can see, and hear, and taste, and touch, and smell, and walk, and talk, and think, and remember.”
Guaranteed, the day will be better if we learn to be more thankful. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). This day. Every day.
If the day goes south, feel free to pray: “Thank you, Lord, that this day you’ve given me has finally come to an end.” Tomorrow’s another day.
Thank the Lord every morning when you get up
that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not.
Being forced to do your best, will breed in you
temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will,
cheerfulness and content,
and a hundred other virtues which the idle never know.
