It's a Bad Day, Not a Bad Life

Did you ever have one of those days? 

Oh, I've had them, friend, and today was one of them. Was it the physical pain I was in from a work injury 5 days ago that has continued to get worse? Was it a 20-minute unnecessary and unpleasant conversation that made an already bad day worse for both of us? Was it because my daughter and I lit two burners at the same time, and one shot flames two feet into the air, and as I felt the heat of the flames on my arms, I saw my life flash before me? Was it that my lawnmower is still broken, the grass is too long, and I have no way to fix either of those problems anytime soon? Was it because my bedroom looks more like a storage unit than the comfortable respite it should be? Was it because on days like these I wish I had a partner to help me and just give me a hug and tell me everything will be ok? 

Yes. All of the above.

Fortunately, I have amazing children who all encouraged me throughout the day, reminding me that those thoughts in my mind were lies. I am not alone. When the tears would not stop falling, they continued to uplift and love me, turning my sad tears into thankful ones. I ended the evening with my son, who encouraged me to "Just cry and get it out." and stayed home and watched The Chosen with me. I am confident that tomorrow will be better. Why? 

It's a bad day, but not a bad life.

• I need some sleep.
• I need to keep a positive attitude.
• I need to focus on my blessings.
• I need to lean into Jesus.

Sometimes we have bad days. Sometimes we have bad weeks, months, or years! I had one of those a few years ago when I lost my job, ended my 3-year relationship, and my dog and my dad both died. It wasn't a pleasant one for sure. Was every day bad? No, of course not. Were there a lot of bad things that happened throughout the year? Yes. In the midst of it all, can I look back and see the hidden blessings? Absolutely.

• Differences were put aside, and everyone worked together when it really mattered.
• Fractured families were reunited to say their final goodbyes.
• Questions about the afterlife lead people back to church and into relationships with Jesus.
• Working just day shifts instead of days and nights gave me more time and rest.
• Through prayer and fasting, I received clarity for my future and the strength to let go.

I am not saying that bad days won't come. I am not saying I get it right when they happen to me. I fail. I focus on the negatives. I wallow in my sadness. I take the time to feel the feelings. But I wake up the next day, hopeful that He has a better one in store, and realize He was there all along, waiting to comfort me. I just had to look up. He is my happily ever after, after. On the next bad day, I'll try to remember that earlier. How about you? 😉

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, 

His mercies never come to an end; 

they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23