Mister Rogers

Mr. Rogers is the brunt of many a fine joke to be sure. I mean, the whole sweater-zipper thing was just too awesome in each of our childhoods for one to avoid mimicking the up-down motion he makes when donning the classic wool sweater. Having said that, I think the man had a lot of it right. I mean, I woke up this morning fully realizing that it's Monday, and I had a great weekend that I was loathe to part with. I was thinking about this as I was driving to work today and realized that my life is actually pretty good. I have my health. I'm employed. My family is safe and healthy. I have a strong moral foundation and a faith that brings me hope and joy everyday. Sure, today is Monday, and they can be hard, but there is so much good that I couldn't help to sing to myself, "It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood..." and mimic the up-down zipper motion as I enjoyed the start of a new day, a new week, and a new adventure.

Granted, my life isn't perfect. I have plenty of drama and crisis going on in the moments when I have a second to breathe. I'd really like to not be single anymore. I'd like to pay down some more debt. I'd really like the home teaching assignments to make themselves. And on, and on, and on... I just find that I get through it all so much better when I focus on what I've been given in life, and not what life hasn't given me.

It seems that for years in my life I did just that. I focused on what I didn't have, or what was wrong with life. And it never got any better. As soon as I'd resolve one issue, another one would jump into its place. Focusing on the issue was just as depressing as focusing on the old one. Today, my problems are still my problems, but I focus on the good in life, do the best I can at everything I do, and I find that little by little, my problems get resolved.

There's really only one that I have to keep working at. Apparently if I don't pay attention to my dating habits my wife doesn't just show up... So... I keep working on that. The rest is easy. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. See? You're farther ahead today than you were yesterday. :)