Do you have your coffee, and a few minutes to spare?  Great!   Here’s the thing:  

By the title of this column, one could clearly discern it is all about the subject of a day (one day), and it is, but not entirely. I was struck by the words of a prayer uttered this week at my church by one of my good Christian friends, Jack Davis.  Jack prayed, “Thank you for this day — a day which we have never seen before, and will never see again.”

WOW! That was thought provoking, and an eye-opener all at the same time. Yes, of course, we know this to be true, but how often do we REALLY think about it? So, let us think about it today.

I mean, perhaps, you have spun your wheels and tap-danced around a situation, or organization, or people, who have disappointed you, and it is clear to you, and in your opinion, what they represent are not for your benefit, the benefit of your family, your peace of mind, your happiness, or your values. This is a major waste of a day that can stack upon another wasted day, and another.

A day is a terrible thing to waste.

What to do about it? It’s a huge question, and one not so easily solved. In my opinion, one should weigh all aspects of your allotted time — those 24 hours of each day/night to make certain your time is spent toward building and maintaining integrity, and the values so important with upright living. After all we are making a record of our time spent, minute-by-minute, and it is being recorded in the big roll book located inside the Pearly Gates. Our instructions for life are clearly stated in the Holy Ten Commandments. What can be more important?  

Yes, we do agree that a day is a terrible thing to waste. We will never have this day again. However, in order to make a change, it can be difficult. Required are a brave heart, deep faith, and a strong constitution. Perhaps one will loose friends over the decision, but if they were really friends, then they would understand. Everyone must work upon a strong conviction that what is right is right — no matter the opinion of the crowd.

You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach, those first impressions? Dear friends, those can be warning signs to “get out of Dodge” so to speak. I have been encouraged to listen intently to any reservations I've had pertaining to many areas in my life. I think, as I have grown older, I can clearly see through cloudy interpretations some can put forth as a distraction — to throw people off from their real intention; Uh huh — another waste of a day.

Yes, a day is a terrible thing to waste.

It has been proven that when people experience happy days, it can lower blood pressure, and help to take away stress. Some studies indicate that happy people may have stronger immune systems — they're less likely to get colds and flu viruses. And when they do, their symptoms tend to be mild. I have found that to be a fact. 

Oh, yearn for the happy days, and there are many ways in which to accomplish just that. I mean it’s your life, and your desire to lead a healthy and fulfilling life — again, what can be more important? The need to understand what will make you happy can be less difficult than to pinpoint what has brought about the unhappiness. Again, there can be just a “feeling” that all is not as it should be.

One sure way to find happiness would be to do something nice for others without any self-serving intentions. Try it and see. Kindness and friendliness must never be underrated. Checkout what is going on in the community, or at your church. You will find an abundance of needs, real needs. There are so many integrity filled organizations in our area, such as The Wesley House — see Wayne McInnis, Mary Ann Edwards, or Ginger Stephens. Then, there is The Baptist Crisis Center, and the many hardworking community clubs, and volunteer fire departments in Lauderdale County. Call Patty Swearingen at the Lauderdale County Home Extension Office to get an update on all of the good things going on with her department. Kate Cherry at The Meridian Museum of Art can always use a volunteer as well as Barbara Wells at the Meridian Activities Center. Hey, a real fun thing would be to work as a volunteer at the MSU Riley Center. See what Terrance Roberts has going on at New Wine Ministries, or the needs at Love's Kitchen, and Salvation Army. You will be needed and appreciated — a guarantee of happiness.

Yes, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life — maybe you have been just marking the calendar each day with a hope for better times. It will take courage, a mighty courage; to make some of the changes needed to make your life happier.

Oh, I'm not a “Pollyanna” — not at all. The definition of "pollyannaish" thinking implies that one has ignored or refused to recognize negative people, organizations, or events. We must never be caught into biases.

When one can recognize what makes one happy, then that is the first step.

Defining happiness is no simple feat, but recognizing the reason for unhappiness can be fixed. Yes, it will take courage, fortitude, and many prayers, but it can be fixed. In our short lives upon God's earth, there is not time for the waste of a single day.

Dear friends, a day is a terrible thing to waste.   

 

Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by

Mississippi Arts Commission, as a

dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.