It's nearly Friday - but as for today - it's not Friday yet!

I heard of a fellow whose life had fallen apart in every sense of the word. This poor fellow's business had faltered, his wife had left him, and his kids were trouble with a capital T sort of thing from what I gathered. He had little to live for and was falling further and further into his own negativity created and fueled by all that surrounded his existence at this point in his pathetic life.

But one day, for whatever reason he realized he had to do something different if anything was going to be different again in his life. He opted to start every morning by making a list of ten things he had to be thankful for and then dwelled on these ten things through out the day. When negative thoughts and situations would come up against him he would focus on the blessings of his morning list and focus on the positive.

The long and the short of the story, as his thoughts changed, so did his life and all that was negative within it. I don't know what the ultimate ending was, so to enhance the story, I'll make up my own version of his happy ending. His wife begged his forgiveness and asked him to take her back and they lived happily ever after... His business thrived and he ultimately became a multi-millionaire. One of his kids turned out to be a noble peace time winner; another became a neuro surgeon and developed the fix for those with paralysis; and still another went on to become a US Ambassador who brought good will to third world countries through their generosity and goodness. How's that for the ultimate visualization?

Let's be honest now... Most of us would consider this mans turn around successful if he was able to at some point in his future have a successful relationship with a significant other - not necessarily his ex-wife.... And if his kids simply grew up and remembered to call him to say they loved him on a somewhat regular basis, along with enough business to provide an income to pay for his living expenses and a little extra; highly successful from where he started. But why would anyone settle for such an outcome when the sky is the limit? <>

I'm not talking about growing greedy rich..... Money doesn't buy happiness - but it sure does afford us the option of blessing other people which in turn brings us joy to our days. I think of Christmas time and realize that there is a definite pattern going on. I love to find ways to enlighten and surprise those getting gifts who I know won't expect what they receive. It doesn't always work out that way, but I try. I have found myself so engrossed in watching these others open their gifts that I nearly forget to open my own. It's just so much fun to see their faces! But the problem as it is, those same individuals are now turning the tables on me! They too are finding more joy in giving than in receiving! Oh gee, what to do, what to do???

Yet, I smile at a job well done when I stop long enough to realize that the seeds of love, generosity and giving beyond self have taken root and the tree of life continues to bloom more beautifully than the year before, progressively more by each passing year.

I see God's love reflected in this joy of sharing and giving and give thanks that the prayers have not been in vain! And yes, I relish the gifts I receive even more for the value in what they offered the one giving them.

So it is... Today however, was one of those days. I had to go to Denver and sit for my weekly five hour tour of duty for counseling and group sessions for the boys entrusted to our care. It is safe to say they do not enjoy this duration of sitting and waiting any more than I do... But we all resign ourselves to the reality that is just a fact of the situation we are all in for one reason or another.

The monthly paper work from last month that was due to be turned in was at least complete, but I find myself dragging myself out of bed to face the day with a certain amount of dread. But I manage to muddle through and "get er' done."

Then at last, we arrive home only to have the boys outside nearly three times longer than they should be... I'm frustrated and more than annoyed at the delay and the wait for their presence. Why? I should think that it's no skin off my back that they are outside so much longer than they ought to be... Why do I care one way or the other? Because I just do! It's me, my make-up, my chemistry, it's simply who I am and who God made me to be.

However, my irritation transferred root to one of the boys who didn't much appreciate my intolerance to the on-going situation. Everything inside of me wanted to dismiss him for the night, strip his privileges for the weekend and make him suffer his own consequences... And quite frankly this would have been totally acceptable by his attitude and actions! However, I have to re-think this... If I don't get him to think through this tonight, I have a pissed off and unpleasant teenager to deal with for the coming weekend. Probably not a good idea in the bigger picture. Call me self motivated, but it simply doesn't make sense to play the game by the kids rules... So, I bit my tongue and told him if we had to stay up until three a.m. to resolve his disrespect and attitude I was up to the challenge. I gave him the opportunity to sit and think it out a bit.... Fortunately, within less than 20 minutes or so he was ready to talk it through. I am happy to report alls well that ends well. Believe it or not, this kiddo is making great strides and improving the out look of his future like you wouldn't believe. But I know that others have a bit of trouble seeing the potential that I see. I'm confident and with this one I can see the reason God put him here. Sometimes with some of the others, I have to wonder!

Now, it's late and I'm tired but wound tight... I have an appointment at 8 a.m. about thirty or forty minutes from home along with my Mom who isn't thrilled to be going to an appointment at the crack of dawn - not really, but so it sometimes seems. Even if it does involve a free twenty minute massage!

I think I shall end the day with ten things to be thankful for and sleep on them. Then perhaps the morning will come with ease, which it has to be better already! After all, the paper work is turned in, this month is well in progress for a change and the weekly afternoon of waiting for appointments to conclude is behind me for another seven days! See, there you have it; three things to be thankful for before I even get started!

BTW - somewhat encouraging news on "The Big House on the Hill" came today, but we still don't know anything for sure... Keep visualizing with us! God's Universe will have to oblige to see this through if it is in the greater good for the future with all this positie in-put arriving from so many different sources! <>

Here's hoping you all have ten times ten things to be thankful for tonight and wishing you a wonderfully blessed Friday!

Good Night World and God Bless!
Love to all....
Sher Bear