The Little Happy Moments.
So often am I overwhelmed with the stress of school or other activities that I neglect to appreciate the small moments in my day that made me smile. Pessimism seems to be growing ever more the common tendency of people today - we overlook even the littlest triumphs because we are consumed by negativity.Just think about that joke someone told that wasn't really funny but made you laugh anyways. Or someone holding the door open for you when it was raining outside. Or even someone letting you borrow a pencil for class because you couldn't find yours.I think it is really important to be positive rather than dwelling on all the bad things that are happening to you because your attitude is what others see. As God's children, we are the light of the world and it is our responsibility to be representatives of what His joy and grace can do in one's life.
"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:14-16
If you are always focusing on the negatives, how are you going to see the good God is doing in your life? God works in mysterious ways and sometimes you must experience hardships to grow as a person, but that doesn't mean you are restricted to unhappiness. God loves us and wants us to be happy, therefore He gives us moments of joy to cherish so we must not neglect them.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above" James 1:17
In my personal life, I know I take for granted a lot of the good things that happen throughout my day. I have one friend who always gives me a hug and asks me how my day is going - in the most un-cliche way possible. This always makes me smile because it reminds me that people love me and care about me enough to be genuinely interested in my life. Being able to remember quick moments that gave you happiness is difficult, especially when you are feeling defeated by the world. Accept that it is exactly the small instants of joy that we need to recall in times of hardships. They are reminders that show God will never abandon you.
Sometimes we can be the ones bringing happiness into someone's life that is struggling and we might not even realize it. Just like my friend who asks me how my day is, something you do unconsciously might give a complete stranger a little moment of joy. The simple act of picking up papers someone dropped because they were rushing or holding the door open for someone when they have their arms full might be just the thing that brightens someone's day.
I think that a lot of people - especially my friends and family - are always extremely concerned about things that aren't going exactly how they want and expect the worst to happen. Reflecting on the little happy moments you experienced throughout your day may be just the thing you need to help you to feel calm and remind you of God's everlasting love.
words by Grace Butler and photo by Emily Steffen