This is a Brand New Day!

Children occasionally say remarkable and insightful things. I recall a conversation with my 14 year-old daughter, in which she asked me if we could go to one of her favorite stores to pick up some things.


A little short on cash, I informed her that it would have to wait until my
resources were a "little more plentiful". "Awww...okay." She replied.


The following day, immediately following church service, she asked, "Can we go to the store today?"


Shaking my head, I looked at her and said, "We just did this yesterday,
remember?"


Smiling back at me with the vibrant energy of a eight-year-old on Christmas morning, she replied, "Yeah. That was yesterday. THIS is a brand new day!"


I was suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of joy and, utter awe. She said it with such expectancy. Smiling back at her, I could only respond to that by saying, 'I LOVE IT!!!"


What a great perspective to have. This is a brand new day!


In my daughter's mind, whatever happened the day before, however disappointing, was irrelevant. She had not yet received the thing that she wanted, so with this new day she saw a new opportunity to pursue it, and she would persist until she got it.


What if we all woke up with this outlook each day? It's easy to get discouraged when we make an effort to get something and we don't reach the desired outcome on the first try. Sometimes our vision is blurred by
distraction or discouragement. Staying the course when the results do not seem to be coming, can be extremely challenging. But even then, you must not give up when you are pursuing a goal. Stay positive. Your mental attitude toward your situation is very important. If you envision the possibilities, you will be better able to focus on the opportunities that are present during setbacks or delays. Continue on taking action daily toward your dreams and goals. Look ahead in the future and stay in pursuit.


Everyone does not share my passion for my dream, so I’ve heard the word, “No” on numerous occasions.  Needless to say, I’ve experienced some setbacks, but this conversation with my daughter was a great reminder for me to keep at my goals, intentions and dreams. Even when I see disappointment or delays, I have to look at each day as if it were a new opportunity. After all, this is a brand new day!


In the end my daughter's persistence paid off, just before I started writing this message, I glanced into her room to see that she's thoroughly enjoying her gift.
 
Peace and blessings,
Katrena Patterson