Opportunities

Years ago, I contemplated the life of a friend. One of her children had just gotten out of the hospital.  I don’t remember why but she’d had to have throat surgery. Her son, who was about six, had been diagnosed diabetic.  And if you managed to get her on the phone, all was good. Me? I’d have probably crawled under the bed and refused to come out.

But she is one of those glass half full kinds of people.  Not only is the glass half full, but she’ll notice if she happens upon something to fill it the rest of the way. She’s got a can-do spirit.

Can do people like my friend see the opportunities.  They spot the possibilities.  And with each one they see, more appear.

What a blessing!   And I’m truly grateful for all of the people God has gifted with a can-do spirit.  These opportunity makers are angels among us. Thank you, God.

–SueBE

 

Bona fide Blessings for Can-do People

“Please let her have an easy rest-of-the-day,” I said.

Someone in my life who’s been an encourager and a real resource for me and my son was having a hectic day, so I said a silent prayer for her.

I paused in my prayer as I realized… wait a minute… she wouldn’t want that!

Not that she doesn’t want an easy day, it’s just that she’s not daunted by a hard day or a challenge. Her job is actually to problem-solve, and she does it with great aplomb. Nah, this lady loves a project.  She’s a can-do girl; she loves to get her hands on a thing that needs to be accomplished and just, well, get-r-done.  She’s a DIY sort; her idea of a relaxing vacation is tearing out the kitchen floor and doing some demo.

“Let me amend that prayer…Please give her a good rest-of-the-day,” I said to God.

When I talk to this can-do girl, I feel like she’s fully listening to me and completely on my side.  So I decided to pray that everyone she encountered would be on the same wavelength: reasonable, compassionate, and open-hearted. And that whatever situation arose, all the players would be working toward the same goal.  Now, this might not be as potent as asking God to give her a miracle or a million dollars, but I think the net effect for this can-do girl will be the same:  a good life with a sense of purpose and a feeling of community.

After all, just because a day has challenges doesn’t mean it’s not a good day. Most of the time, we handle large issues and keep on moving, but what really adds a nice vibe to a day are the small moments.  I decided to pray for unexpected interactions that lift us up or lighten our load today:

• A fascinating project to get your hands on and keep your mind percolating.
• A windfall of warmth so that everyone you meet today is in a wonderful mood.
• An interesting (and respectful) philosophical discussion with strangers at the bus stop.
• Having your bangs fall into the right place in the morning without power tools and plastered-on product.
• A day with a “just because” friendship card in the mailbox (and not one bill or piece of junk mail.)
• The best milkshake of your life – so thick you can stand a straw in it.
• Pleasures – not problems – that come in threes.
• A fluffy dog on the couch, waiting for you to pat her head.

A day filled with bona fide blessings isn’t necessarily one that’s problem-free.  It’s one you can meet where you are with prayer and persistence, secure in the knowledge that you’ll be provided with what you need to create a meaningful, marvelous life.

May you all have a good rest-of-the-day!