Day 73, March 14

The other day, I Googled the word kindness and discovered an article asserting that the simple act of looking for kindnesses will change one's life.  We know, of course, that performing kindnesses will change our lives, but I hadn't realized that by merely looking for expressions of caring and compassion will also change our lives.

Isn't that a wonderful concept?  That by being aware of the performance of kind acts we can make a difference in ourselves.

What kind of difference would that be?  Would we be more aware that others are trying to do good in our world, just as we are?  Would we be less apt to judge others with a harsh yardstick?  Would we be more prompted to perform more kind acts ourselves?

Maybe all of the above. And more.

Joy for today:  looking for kindnesses.

Day 72, March 13

A week and a half ago, much of the nation, perhaps even the world, watched the Oscars.  I didn't.  Not because I don't respect talent and persistence in pursuing that talent, because I do.  But I find other expressions of that talent and persistence more appealing.

Okay.  So, what do I respect?

I respect the mother and father who are always there, doing the hard work of parenting.
I respect the worker who shows up every day, no excuses.
I respect the volunteer who gives of his time and energy to help others.
I respect the friend who listens without judging.
I respect the teacher who imparts knowledge and caring to his/her young charges.

Joy for today:  watching real talent in action.

Day 71, March 12

Yesterday I wrote about a child's desire to fast on Fast Sunday.  It appears I'm not done with the subject of fasting and prayer.  The Saturday before that Sunday, I received an email from a friend sent to several of us in the ward (church) about their son and his pregnant , asking us to pray for them as the daughter-in-law was in the hospital trying to carry her baby to a safe delivery time.

Immediately I got to my knees and started my prayers for this young couple.  At the same time, I was awed by the idea that many of us would be fasting and praying for this purpose.  I firmly believe in the power of linked prayers.  I know that Heavenly Father hears each individual prayer; I also know that He hears the joined prayers of many.

Joy for today:  joining in prayer and fasting for friends.

Day 70, March 11

A week ago Sunday, I was at my sister's house.  It was the first Sunday of the month, Fast and Testimony Meeting in the Mormon Church.  On these Sundays, those able abstain from food for a day.

My sister's six-year-old granddaughter Lily came to her and said, "Grandma, I know I'm not really old enough to fast, but I'm going to try to today."

My heart was touched and my faith strengthened by this example of faith.  Fasting is hard for me.  In short, I don't like to go without my meals.  Sometimes I make it, and sometimes I don't.  But that Sunday I knew I had to try as hard as this little child was trying.

Joy for today:  witnessing the faith of a child.

Day 69, March 10

I often pray during my morning walks.  Though I try to start my prayers with thanking the Lord for His blessings, I frequently move to asking Him for yet more blessings.  The other day, during a walk, I promised myself and Him that I would spend the entire time being grateful rather than beseeching Him for more blessings.

With that directive, I started seeing many things for which to be grateful--a sunny day, warm weather, a safe neighborhood in which to walk, energy, the chirping of birds, etc.   My gratitude segued from nature to family and the blessings of a good husband and sweet children and grandchildren.

Pretty soon, my walk was over and I had fulfilled my goal.   I don't do this on every walk, but I have wondered what would happen if I spent that much time every day consciously listing my blessings and giving thanks for them.

Joy for today:  giving thanks.

Day 68, March 9

Last week I was at my sister's house and had occasion to help her granddaughter with some homework which involved verbs, changing the tenses, etc.  I thought I should be pretty good at it; after all, I am supposed to be a writer.  It turns out I wasn't very good at it at all, especially we encountered irregular verbs.

It set me to thinking.  (Once again, the oddest things set me to thinking.)   With the segue of irregular verbs, I realized that there are also all sorts of "irregular" people in the world.   I'm one of them.  I decided it wasn't so bad to be irregular.  Many of my friends are also irregular.  We don't fit a mold.  And isn't that wonderful?  Who wants to fit a mold anyway?

Heavenly Father created each of us to be "irregular"  in our own unique ways.  How are you irregular?  Do you have an off-beat sense of humor?  Do you march to the beat of a different piccolo (notice I didn't say drum)?  Do you write silly poetry?

Joy for today:  embracing my irregularity.

Day 67, March 8

I love the changing of the seasons and am fortunate enough to live in an area where we get to experience every season in all its glory. Then why, I wonder, do I often complain about what comes with those seasons?

In the winter, I complain about the snow.
In the spring, I complain about the wet.
In the summer, I complain about the heat.
In the fall, I complain that it will soon be winter again.

In short, I complain.  Not a very palatable thing to accept about myself.

What if I turned my thinking around?

In the winter, I can appreciate the pristine beauty of a new snowfall.
In the spring, I can appreciate the awakening of the earth.
In the summer, I can appreciate the blueness of the sky.
In the fall, I can appreciate the gilding of the leaves.

Joy for today:  appreciating rather than complaining.