Top 10 Ways To Have A Great Day

July 14, 2015

How did you celebrate Independence Day? I was thankful for the freedom to live and work and travel as I choose in a free country.

Last month James and I took 11 days off from work and ministries to visit our son's family. My main responsibility was to take care of two grandkids (age 6 and 4) while their mommy and youngest brother (age 1) were away attending a wedding. I felt sad with them when they missed mommy. I felt happy when they enjoyed themselves... They were never tired of playing, inside or outside, rain or shine, and it was pure joy for me!

Every day could be a great day... Here are some ideas.

Along about the advent of the happy face, people began saying to one another, "Have a nice day." And nice is, well, nice. But what about having a Great Day? One of those days where things go so right, when we accomplish something that makes us feel really good about ourselves, and we connect with people in meaningful ways. A day we experience joy.

Of course, not every day can be a great day, but the following 10 tips can transform what might be an ordinary day into something that verges on great.

1. Start off with a plan. Ask God to reveal to you what one thing you can do that will build toward creating a great day.

2. Be mindful. Throughout the day be present in all that you do.

3. Do first things first. Give priority to the important.

4. Spend time with those you love. If you can't be together in person, call or write a letter or email. Connect.

5. Lighten up! Find time to play and enjoy yourself.

6. Give yourself something nice. Eat something you love for lunch. Gift yourself with a bunch of flowers or a massage. Take a walk in the sun.

7. Learn something new.

8. Complete one thing. Do something you've been meaning to do, finish a project or a task.

9. Do something good, or give something to someone, anonymously.

10. Be, instead of Do. Allow yourself time without needing to fill it. Be a human Be-ing, rather than a human Do-ing.

I practiced many of the above tips while staying with grandchildren. One day we were playing outside. As she was "climbing up" a tree, our granddaughter (age 6) started singing "Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man."

Immediately, her brother (age 4) joined in and acted out the part of Jesus, singing, "Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to your house today, for I'm going to your house today."

Their impromptu performance made my day! As they repeated their song and act, I marveled at how Jesus has changed my life, marriage, and family. You could read the Bible (Luke 19:1-10) to find out how Jesus saved Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who had money but no friend. How would you feel if Jesus is going to your house today?

Have a Great Day!

Author's content used with permission, © Claire Communications