Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog - Golden Words — How to Approach the Day with a Smile

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Golden Words — How to Approach the Day with a Smile

Humans are negative creatures by default. We have to cultivate character traits like gratitude and appreciation. They just don’t come naturally.

Think about it. Which is more likely to come out of your mouth – a complaint about something your kids or your husband failed to do? Or a word of appreciation for something they did?

Consider your most recent restaurant experience. When the time came to figure the tip, did you scroll through all the ways your server met your needs or quickly list the ways she failed you?

If I asked you to list four pet peeves in two minutes or less, could you do it?

Oh yeah. Here’s my list:

1. People in the right lane who drive past the sign that says, “Right Lane Closed Ahead. Merge Left” until they can’t go any farther, then expect the sign-abiding people who merged left a mile ago to let them in.

2. The automated checkout voice that prompts you (at ear-splitting decibel levels) to put the item you just scanned into the baggage area. Every. Single. Time.

3. The certainty that if I leave my house without makeup to run to the grocery store for one item, I will meet everyone I know – on Aisle 1.

5. If a bird plops on my windshield, the deposit will land at eye level on whichever side of the car I’m sitting on – on the day I run out of wiper fluid.

There, that was easy. I think it took me less than a minute to list those four gripes.

Now, if someone asked me to list five things I appreciate, could I rattle them off as quickly? Or as passionately? Maybe not.

Proverbs 25:11 reminds us, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” I wonder, how often do our words shine like gold?

My friend Lisa is an encourager. Every time we visit, she says something that makes me feel good. Her comments aren’t just empty flattery, they’re thoughtful and timely. She’s a great example of how to use encouragement as a mighty force for good.

Today is a new day. We get to choose whether we’ll use our words to build up or to tear down. If we want to be most like Jesus, instead of grumbling and fault-finding, we can channel our thoughts toward gratitude and affirmation. We can speak golden words that warm others with their glow.

I began this post with a list of pet peeves. I’d like to end it with a list of things for which I’m grateful. Then perhaps you’d join me by leaving a comment sharing what you appreciate.

If we begin each day with gratitude instead of grumbling, we’ll find it easier to carry the positive words into the rest of our day. Then we’ll be able to bless others. And isn’t that much better than griping and complaining?

I’m thankful for:

1. Kind smiles on strangers’ faces.

2. Books that go beyond our hearts to touch our souls.

3. Early morning breezes.

4. Simple kindnesses.

Now it’s your turn. For what are you thankful? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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Have you ordered your copy of Lori’s newest devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace? An Amazon #1 Hot New Release, this story-driven devotional will help you fight negativity and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy. You’ll experience joy and peace every day.

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