Fog shrouded the early morning view. Trees and neighboring houses appeared as if seen through a soft lens filter. Sharp focus and crisp details were lost to the mist.

This winter scene was a figurative match to my state of being.

Have you known days like this? Somehow, things just slip out of focus. Sleep disturbance, early rising, fatigue, worries, or some physical discomfort, can contribute to the ‘gloom’ of chilly dawn.

It’s time to make my choice and take my stand. I say ‘Good Morning’ to my God and I tell Him how I really feel. I ask for help and then repeat Psalm 118:24 — out loud.

…‘This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it”

Then begins the search for all the ways I can be glad … following the suggestions shared in my book.

What can I be glad about in this very weary, damp morning hour?

• I can be glad I’m still here to see this morning. I survived (some have not).
• I rejoice that my God is with me. I’m not alone. I am loved, and my times are in His hands.
• I have people who care about me.
• I feel weak and weary. Thank God I have comfortable chairs, and a warm bed to nap in – if I need to do that.
• I am uncomfortable. Thank God I’m not in serious pain. Also thank God I have benefits to provide medical care (already scheduled).
• The fog does press a chill around all that I can see or feel from my window. Thank God I have a good heating system in my home – and even warm blankets to cuddle up in.

OK, you get the idea. This is deliberate action. It’s a discipline that I find extremely rewarding. This is how I live out my brand of ‘relentless optimism’. I am not ‘helpless’ in my weakness. I am reminded of grace.

I will choose to recognize and give thanks for positives in my life for as long as it takes to recover my balance. If I run out of good things to be thankful for … then I will start on the negatives that could be troubling me – but are not doing so at the moment. We can be grateful for the presence of blessings, AND for absence of pain.

This variation of the ‘Glad Game’ restores me – like the weak rays of early sunshine that begin to peek through grey skies until, at last, the fog is burned away.

The morning now glows in the fresh-washed sun-light of a new day. It’s beautiful. I am here to see it once again and to share it. I thank my God. May your days be blessed.

Marge

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS … We can encourage each other!