Life is What You Make It

I once met a very old lady whom I felt bad for on a daily basis, even thought I couldn’t figure out why. I had never said more than a few words to her, and I really wondered what she was all about. She just reminded me of a very sad old woman. I made the decision to take time out of my day and talk to her. At the time, I had no idea that this decision would change my life forever.

I usually saw her at church, but I saw her after church at the Kroger store on this particular day. I walked up to the woman and stood next to her. She barely seemed to notice my presence. I said, “Hello”, and asked her how her day was. She said, “Everyday is amazing in the light of God.” I was slightly shocked. I agreed with her, but I had never really thought it all through enough to end up with that final point.

The old woman saw my expression and decided to elaborate on her point. She amazed me when she said, “The sun comes out everyday. The birds are chirping as long as its not winter. In the springtime, the grass is going to grow to the prettiest green. Children, oh so beautiful children, are being born everyday. Today, we sat in our church, and we sang praise to our God. Think about it. Not everybody can do what we have done today. Be thankful that you can.”

Her words made my eyes well up with tears, and I thought that she was done talking. I couldn’t figure out why her words affected me so much. Surprising me, she continued talking, “ I woke up today, and I was able to walk. Therefore its a good day. I made a reason to smile today, therefore its a good day.”

I asked her if she knew about all of the corruption and economic difficulties going on in the world. I realize now that I sounded extremely negative asking her all of these questions. I just couldn’t understand how anyone could be so happy all of the time. I almost feel like I was doing everything in my power to find something that would upset her. Nonetheless, she remained strong to her belief that everyday is a beautiful day in the light of God.

I haven’t had much interaction with that wonderful woman since then, but I have modeled my life based on that ten minute conversation that we had. I have taken a much more positive outlook. I have adopted the motto “Life’s What You Make It”, and this I believe.