You know those days where everything seems very satisfying and gratifying? They don't happen very often, but every now and then, a day comes along where you run into an old friend, someone smiles at you, something that normally annoys you doesn't, etc. Today, I had one of those days. I don't want to mislead you, today wasn't one of those days where everything went perfectly, but it was one of those days where the goods simply overshadowed the bads. Where God's love overpowered my weaknesses.

I work as a sports director for a local YMCA. One of my co-workers told me of 9-10 year old boy who has had a really tough time recently. He lost his mother in a car accident over the summer, his father has serious legal problems, and it seems the family is constantly going to court and fighting over custody of him and his brother. This poor boy get dragged through mud and comes up for air long enough to make it through the next puddle. Anyway, I put him on a soccer team I coach and we had our first practice today. The most wonderful thing happened: he smiled the whole time. I don't assume it was because of my coaching, he simply had a great attitude. You wouldn't have known anything was wrong. He was the most enthusiastic one out on the field. He listened great, he had fun, he smiled, and he even ran an extra set of sprints! Seeing this boy who's going through so much have a smile on his face for an hour warms my heart. I would've made excuses for him if he'd been negative, scowling, and uncooperative. Instead, he made my day with his positive attitude and bright smile. It's simply amazing to think about.

Earlier in the day, I had a little 3 year old boy that I taught soccer to run up and hug my legs. Not once, but twice! He didn't hestitate when he saw me; he just ran right around the counter and hugged my legs. It was an incredible feeling because I thought he would've forgotten about me...or at least been a little shy! Nope, he just smiled and we chatted like old friends. It probably didn't look like anything extraordinary to those around us, but it was truly special for me to stare at those innocent blue eyes, bright smile, and share a moment with this child for 5 minutes.

Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to speak with my husband...including a rare opportunity at home this morning! We didn't struggle for conversation, we weren't cranky, we were just truly happy to chit chat and goof around for 20 minutes. We work awkward hours, so we spend a lot of time on the phone together and sometimes conversations just don't flow because we don't have anything to talk about. Each time we talked, he made me laugh and laugh. In fact, I think I might've giggled a few times. I don't really remember what we talked about, but I got this intense feeling of love for him and from him that lasted me all day. Those times are so nice when we get caught up in our daily activities. I am so grateful to have him as my eternal companion.

When I concentrate real hard, I can think of some things that happened today that could've made my day crappy. Instead, I remember these things and feel God's love for me. He sent me angels in the form of children and my husband; He sent me gifts in the form of smiles, laughs, and hugs. I am so grateful for Him and the tender mercies he offers me each day. God sent me his love through his other servants and they don't even know it. I pray that I can pay this happiness, contentment, and love forward. I'm not really a 'sunshine and rainbows' type of person, but today I sure felt like one.

Tags: Happiness Gratitude God's Love