If you have read any of my other posts about my mom, you know that she loved collecting inspirational stories, poems, and letters. She has a file on her computer labeled "reflections and poems". When I clicked on it, I found the letter below, "The Best Day of My Life". I smiled as I read it, because it sounds so much like Mom (though she didn't write it).
And I thought it was appropriate to read during this Thanksgiving season.
*************************************
The Best Day of My Life
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.
Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.
Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.
Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.
As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank Him for the best day of my life.
And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be.....the best day of my life!
*********************************************
I pray we will all have an attitude of gratitude today and every day!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of His wonderful deeds.
—Psalm 9:1
Have a blessed day,
(This is a weekly post that I am doing to honor my wonderful mother, Wanda, who passed away on September 22, 2009. It is a place for me to share precious memories of her…for myself, for you, and most importantly, for my children.)
Posts
There is so much we learn from reading and going through their items after they are gone. My Mom's scrapbook and journal inspired me to make one for myself so that my girls could have/read it someday and learn from it. Love to read your blog, especially your Wednesday posts. I wish you lived close, I would invite you for coffee and "Mom" talk. ~Lanie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sending me the decorating magazine. I received it yesterday which was perfect timing because I found out yesterday I have chicken pox - now I'm set with great reading material.
perfect! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLeann
Oh Tracey...
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. I would say this is the best day that Wanda had. She was so happy, and she was so loving her life. She had come to realize that she did not need to fear tomorrow, God was already there, and that she needed to enjoy her present, right now. We all spend to much time worrying about tomorrow. We can learn so much from your Moma's writings Tracey. Thank you for sharing this piece of her with me. I love it.
Stop by and say hi. I so love it when do. The company is just wonderful. Country hugs...Sherry
God bless you, Sweetie.
ReplyDeleteMay you have a great Thanksgiving,
d from homehaven
So touching Traci...such a sweet tribute to your mom....
ReplyDeleteLou Cinda :)
Traci,
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful!!! I will be sharing this with others today, never know who might need this today. We should all make a copy for our children so they can read it when they can appreciate it.
Love, Norma
Oh Traci, this is just a beautiful post and I love it. Something we all need to remember everyday. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have your MOM's computer!! And know so many of the things that were special to her....thanks for being willing to share them with us!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
wonderful poem!
ReplyDeletemy mom passed away when i was 19, she was just 41 years old. i miss her so much, i love the honor you are giving your mother i will be here with you on wednesdays.
blessings
marie
What an inspirational person your mom was. If I could be half that person I would be happy. You must have had a wonderful childhood!
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful tidbit of wisdom from Wanda. I think a lot of us really look forward to Wednesdays with you!
ReplyDeleteI wish you lived close too. There is a huge void when our mothers pass away and finding a way to honor them is valuable. I love these posts! I know she does too ~ :-) Her spirit and love will always be with you. Thanks so much for sharing this...I think it is something that my mother would have agreed with.
ReplyDeletexo
Thats a beautiful poem. I had a health scare recently where I wasn't sure if it was life threatening or not. What it did do was appreciate life more and it also showed me how the important things in life aren't the materialistic ones, but family and friends. And most definately the time spent with them. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTraci,
ReplyDeleteThis was just beautiful! I really needed this today. Every time I read your 'Wednesday's with Wanda' posts, I see a little more of what your mom was really like and how special she really was.
Hugs to you,
Lee Laurie
Thank you for sharing these special times with us each week! It is like I 'm getting to know a very wonderful new friend! I rejoice in the knowledge that I will meet your beautiful Mom in heaven and until then I reeasure her memories each week! Traci, my prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteDee Dee
Precious, precious!
ReplyDeleteThis completely lifted my spirit today~thank you for sharing it~
ReplyDeleteOh, how very lovely! So many real truths in that little essay. We all need to be reminded of these because we tend to forget again and again.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you dear Melissa....
Cynthia K. Beauty and Blessings
Thanks for this post Traci. I am going through a trial right now and this was very encouraging :)
ReplyDeleteJust found you tonight. What a beautiful piece that you found of your mothers. So sorry to hear that she passed away in Sept. She must of been a lovely lady and so sweet of you to remember her this way.
ReplyDeleteThe picture of her is beautiful. She must of been young.
Take care
Maggie
These posts are always some of my favorite!! And I hope you have the BEST DAY tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI would like to post this poem on my personal blog. My family is going thorugh a terrible time right now. My uncle (who I am very close to)was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer with brain mestatisis on October 26 2009. He is not in hospice and not expected to see Christmas. He is only 55 years old. It is horrible. Your poem is beautiful. Please let me know if I may post it and who to credit for writing the beautiful words. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful heart you have. I loved this post. I just came across your blog today, you have been a blessing and your words too for me today. Thank you.
ReplyDelete