I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a GREAT DAY......unless you have other plans.

 

Every morning this week, take some time to think about how you want to "shape your day." Do you want to complain, grumble and whine? Will you feel sad, frustrated, angry or overwhelmed? Or would you rather be happy, grateful and full of hope? Remember the choice is yours to make.

 

And although it's good to plan what kind of day you will have,  negative emotions or the desire to complain and grumble are sure to surface as you go about your daily activities. The trick is to catch yourself, take a deep breath and consciously choose not to go down that path. Instead, pick a more positive thought or response. It's not easy, but with practice you will find yourself becoming a sculptor of joy, love and happiness.