Keep A Sunny Disposition

My grandpa was the inspiration of my life. It wasn't always a great feeling because I was inspired often by his stern and harsh manner. I wanted him to be proud of me. He loved me and I knew it. He had his tender moments too. I've never known a more stubborn and strong man.

When grandpa passed it left me feeling empty and lost. It also reminded me how blessed I had been to have him. I had not seen him for a few years and for most of my adult life I wasn't in touch with him often enough. It's an unfortunate reality in our modern age of easy travel, but it just is far too easy to lose touch with the people we who matter most.

Grandpa's critical and harsh manner was his love for me. As a kid I was terrified of him and my uncle. Yet somehow I was drawn to them in a very deep, intimate way. The lessons learned from him were invaluable even though I didn't realize it until very late in life.

I could have spent my youth being angry and grown bitter about the way grandpa treated me. I could be bitter about a lot of tough stuff that has happened in life. Thankfully, I was taught to always look around and remember that many others have gone through worse.

I believe that anything is forgivable. That is a statement that you may not agree with. It may make you angry. How could ...xyz...be forgiven? These people don't deserve forgiveness. It is true that there are some things that life throws our way that are simply beyond our comprehension. Terrible stuff happens.

Everyday we are flooded with the new that a terrible virus is among us. It may steal our loved ones and neighbors long before they should be taken. This is a situation that seems worthy of anger. We may not even know who to be angry with. However, it is not fair and someone has to be responsible for this wrong.

Other times there is a person to be angry with. Someone did us wrong. Far too often we experience tremendous abuse and betrayal. Being angry is a natural response. Forgiveness seems ridiculous. Nevertheless, I believe it is possible and necessary.

The burden of anger, bitterness and hate is unbearably heavy. With this burden life is dark and dreary. It makes a hard journey more exhausting. Why not rid ourselves of this burden? Why carry it? We can choose to carry a lighter load.

Forgiveness is a choice not an emotion, Strange concept? Perhaps, but real. Forgiveness is possible. Think it is absurd? The antidote is gratitude.

Be angry at the wrong done, but be grateful also. Be thankful for the surrounding good. It is there I can guarantee it. Look harder if you need, but find those people and things that enrich life and be thankful. It is much better.

I know that I have gotten so caught up in the details of life that I have also lost touch with the values that hold me together. Don't most of us do this?

Gratitude and forgiveness are not just a good idea, they are foundation to me. I look around at people who don't know how to overcome the tragic bumps in life. The people who only know how to be angry and bitter. I am reminded how much better my life is because I have learned to forgive. When I slow down enough to think about how blessed my life is because of this, my heart overflows with gratitude.

When was the last time you took a moment to notice how the hard knocks in life have made your life better?

How long has it been since you reached out to the people who have influenced your life and just said "Thank You"?

Keep The Sun On Your Face- Always!

What are You Thankful for?