Just For Today

The last few months have seemed pretty tough for yours truly. It seems like everyone in the world, except me, doesn’t have their act together. It appears lately I am surrounded by folks who make constant mistakes (that affect me), say stupid things (that affect me) and are constantly trying to make my life miserable. Joy stealers…folks are stealing my joy and I can’t seem to make them see the errors of their ways! Why is everybody doing the wrong things and I’m the only one doing the right things? Anyone?

Well, when I awoke this morning, still under the realization I am being persecuted by all living things, I decided…no, not today. Today I am taking a break. I am taking a one day vacation from life and its problems. I am going to let all the issues and bad situations of the world pass through me and on to the next sucker, just for today.

So I decided, just for today, one day only, instead of grumbling hello, I am going to smile at the lady at Starbucks who gives me my delicious coffee every morning. I’m going to tell her good morning and ask her how she is doing. And I did, this one time. Just for today. She gave me the warmest smile I’ve ever seen and it seemed like my coffee tasted better than usual. Weird.

I stopped at the dry cleaners and the lady was on the phone with a customer. Usually I would interrupt because I’m in a hurry and my shirts are more important than anyone else’s. But, just for today, I waited quietly until she was finished. She thanked me profusely for my patience and explained most people would have acted like a jerk and ruined her day. Wow, can you imagine that?

When I went to park at a department store and elderly lady was heading for the same parking spot I was, the one closest to the door. I started to race her to the spot but I decided, just for today, I would let her have the spot. She blew me a kiss.

At the grocery store this afternoon I had a huge cart-full and the old man behind me only had 3 items, so I decided to be courteous, just for today, and let him cut in front of me. He gave me a coupon for the soda I was buying. Strange.

I was feeling so relaxed and at peace this evening that I thought, ‘Hey, I’m not busy so I will spend some good, quality time in prayer.’ Not just the quick five minutes I usually devote to spiritual matters but, just for today, really and truly thank God for all the undeserved blessing he has sent my way. It was an amazing hour. I can’t tell you the feeling of gratitude that overwhelmed me. It was very special.

I must admit today went very, very well and so I wondered to myself…maybe I should try this again tomorrow?