Orchestrating a Good Day
Most of us don’t wake up, lay in bed, and think Today, I’m going to have one terrible, awful, frustrating day, and I’m going to work hard for it.”
At the same time, we don’t expect to rise each day to the most incredible and exciting ever. If every day were one of those days, they would no longer feel so amazing.
So, that leaves us with the vast majority of twenty-four-hour periods, somewhere between the two extremes. Since most days will be average, it is wise to develop routines that help us think when we lay our head on the pillow, this was a good day. Here are a few “good day” practices.
ü Make your bed. A small win first thing in the day starts you on the right foot. Small victories are more important than you might think, and you can accumulate several first thing in the morning. (By the way, the book by this name, written by Admiral William H. McRaven, is a must-read, in my opinion).
ü Go to your place of peace.
Pour a cup of java, soda, OJ, or whatever gets you going, then proceed to your recharging station. Everyone has a place that promotes personal peace. My reading and writing chair in the living room or the deck provides me with a sense of well-being. For some, a morning walk does the trick.
Jesus frequented places of peace. His biographers tell us he liked to go off alone in quiet locations. The Teacher knew how to start the day right. Do whatever works for you.
ü Put yourself in thankful mode. Pick up a pen, journal, or wherever you write anything and list several things for which you are thankful. A grateful heart is life-giving. Always start your day with thanksgiving and gratitude. (If you don’t like to write, no worries, just think through these matters). Let God know you appreciate Him, and He will reciprocate because He is thankful for you. One of my early mentors frequently reminded me of this truth about myself and others. He said, “God don’t make no junk.”
Jesus was a thankful person. He thanked God for His daily food provisions, His ability to perform miracles, listening to His prayers, and for revealing Himself to people with childlike faith. Living with a sense of gratitude is like having a spring of fresh water flowing inside you.
ü Think of and pray for other people. It is well-documented that the less self-centered we are, the happier we will be. The best way to look out for number one is to think more about all the other numbers.
ü Read, listen, or view something devotional and inspirational based on the Bible. It is highly doubtful that Jesus ever experienced a day without some “God-time.”
I would also like to add that sometimes my inspiration toward God is not overtly religious. Perhaps yours is too. For instance, I enjoy watching old episodes of America or Britain or Canada’s Got Talent. I especially like the Golden Buzzer editions, and they often make me cry. So many performers who receive the Golden Buzzer have an inspiring story of overcoming some tragedy or obstacle. Others set out to meet some kind of need in their community, and the endeavor “blew up” in a good way, so now they find themselves in this competition. As I watch these stories, in my spirit, I sense the spark of God in my fellow earthly travelers. I think, Lord, we have made quite a mess of this world, but You have placed something noble, powerful, and beautiful in each of us. In one way or another, we are all overcomers. Thank you.
Other times, I sit on my deck and watch my friend, Rocky the Squirrel, do his best to get into the food I have set out for the songbirds that frequent the long tube filled with seeds. The scene is hilarious. He’s determined, but so far, his efforts have been foiled. Meanwhile, two bunnies chase each other around the yard at the speed of sound while the old groundhog scurries from the side of the neighbor’s yard under their deck, where he lives in a comfy condo. The simple beauty of creation points me upward, and my heart says, indeed, Lord, You are always present, and You are good. Thank you.
Do whatever centers you back to your faith in God.
Those four actions require no more than ten or fifteen minutes and are well worth the effort. Now it’s time to jump into your day.
ü Before you head into the day, think of one, two, or three jobs you could accomplish that day. This process is critical to executing a fulfilling day. Say to yourself, “If I got ........... done,” I would feel good about the day.” It is frustrating to arrive at the end of the day and sense that you didn’t accomplish anything worthwhile. You can achieve something every day that makes you feel productive. It is also helpful to consider one, two, or three jobs you want to get done during a week so that Saturday feels better.
Many experts suggest starting your most challenging job first, so you don’t put it off. This is good advice, but not always. Sometimes it is good to knock off a couple of small tasks so that you can take a quick victory lap before tackling more extensive duties.
ü Don’t go ballistic over interruptions. Many days our best-laid plans get scuttled by something or someone unexpected. Yes, it can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. Contented people learn to pivot and roll with the unexpected. Why? Because intrusions happen frequently. If you don’t understand how to manage these situations well, you will likely end up in a frequent state of frustration.
Many blessings were once interruptions in disguise. Jesus experienced a constant barrage of intrusions from all kinds of sources. His disciples were sometimes impatient with people like children, the sick, political and religious leaders who had no concern for the Master’s daily agenda. Their Teacher sometimes pulled his followers aside and reminded them, “These people are my agenda, so knock it off.” Choose people over projects.
ü Smile and laugh a lot. Some folks go through life looking and acting like they were baptized in pickle juice. Lighten up! Even amid our worst days, there is always something to laugh and smile about. Be a harbinger of good cheer, not doom and gloom. (This probably means turning off the news for a while).
Finally,
ü Be a do-gooder. Do something good for someone every day without fail. Life is tough for all of us, and like it or not, we’re in this together. If you want your life to be more enjoyable, make someone else’s life that way. It’s not difficult, and everyone can do it.
One of Jesus’s fundamental teachings goes like this. “16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16 NLT)
Your day may have gone to the proverbial hell in a handbasket, but if you don’t let your circumstances stop you from helping someone, you will always have the pleasure of knowing you made someone else’s load a little lighter.
You know, it is interesting. As I look over this short list of activities that will make your day fulfilling, none of the jobs are complicated. They do not require any particular skill or gift, nor do they take much time. It’s not rocket science, but these simple routines will boost your day. So, I’ll end with the words of Mr. Swarzenegger, “Do it. Do it now!”
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
