Wednesday, January 26, 2011

"Today I will make a Difference"


As I was cleaning out some neglected cupboards I found a poem that I have cherished. I will now post it by my bathroom mirror where I can see it as a reminder. This adoption ( along with a few other things) has been tough on me. I hope this encourages you as well today.




Today I Will Make a Difference
by Max Lucado

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble... I will get up. It's OK to fail... I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failure. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on.


Blessings on you and your family today.

2 comments:

Ashleigh said...

mmmm, thank you.
i am a huge fan of lucado's...both his kids and adults books. (have you read "come thirsty"...good for the soul).
i needed to read those words today - esp the bold ones.

Ashleigh said...

we're on Vancouver Island...though I grew up in Tsawwassen, attended UBC for 2 yrs and completed my degree at Trinity Western...so I spent a bit of time close to your old stomping grounds.
:)