Choose Happy!

Planter with mirror on the magical garden path I've been working on for a decade.

Choose Happy!

In my mind today, I'm thinking about life and death. I'm thinking about purpose. I'm thinking about troubles. I'm thinking about the end of another school year and the summer break we all anticipate. We all have these thoughts. I'm choosing happy. Why? It's what the spirit inside me is leading me towards. As I read my scriptures this morning, I studied the three things that our spirit within does: it shows me where I fall short, the wonderful power of God, and I'm safe and never doomed. All things do work for those who love the Lord. This whole mystical mystery that has been so since time began. I'm happy because I accept my imperfections, I know where my happiness comes from, and I'm forever guarded by something bigger than my inequities. When I long to walk, sit on a chaise lounger in the sun, or a porch swing, I focus on my speediness in my chair and giving children rides #robosal, the portable chaise I'm gifted with, and leaning back and relaxing remembering the sway of my swinging days.

This past Sunday I had my PRE, Sunday School, reflect on our year together. I told them to be honest. They were which I'm grateful for because I can't grow in my faith and instruction without honest feedback. I'll be better or die trying. I'm trying to create life long Christians and not consumer Christians. I'm desperately trying to fulfill my purpose, grow my church, and help my community. What did I learn? I learned that they are good with our Sunday morning meeting time. I did help most grow in their faith but some I still need to work on my material and delivery. I'm growing! I'm trying to help them be okay being Catholic Christians in a predominately Protestant environment which is tough. I'm proud that most of them love our way of worshipping and are not ashamed, but some still shirk because peers think they are weirdo Catholics. See my purpose and work seems to be growing, not tapering. For this, I know that God is going to keep me healthy enough to continue on. When I'm too sick to carry on, God will usher me to another chapter.

Remember those three witches in the play MacBeth? "Double bubble, toils and troubles." We all have our share and scares with troubles. I don't air all the troubles in the Alley World with everyone. As I was researching this morning I found many more PALS, people with ALS. They were mid-thirties and early forties with young kids. Yes, my heart hurt. Then I read their stories and watched their YouTube videos. Each one had peace. Each one realized the gift of life in the face of death. Each one gave God the thanks for spreading joy despite the shorter timeline and disabilities. I think this is beautiful, wonderful, and up-lifting. I was staring at other "me's" in the world. We are all going to be okay, really. We choose happy. Each one I looked at did the same. Get it? We don't have to choose happy, but we do. Thank you spirit within.

Oh, summer how I love thee! No shoes, flowers galore, birds and animals everywhere, and no schedules. Another summer is a gift for me. As I sit here and write on my deck watching my garden fairy, I am so happy. She is one of my blessings from God. I love to roll the yard and see the fruit of her precious labor. So today you know what your assignment is: Choose HAPPY! It's summer break!

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quote of the Day:

"Find your Happy! It's probably in your own yard."

by Me