Today's Joy: Setting Myself A Challenge.
Reader, if you listen to K-Love, you know today is Make A Difference Monday. You also know it is Day 15 of Sterling's month-long challenge to America. Simply put, she's challenging us not to grumble or complain for 30 days. Yup, no mumbling under your breath. No crabbing. And no spewing negativity. No complaining of any kind for 30 whole days. Could you do it?

What would the month be like if we weren't wasting time and energy putting negativity out there? How would your life be transformed if, instead, you were directing that intent into positive things? Imagine the difference you could make if instead of detrimental statements, each thing you said throughout the day lifted someone up.....powerful stuff.

I've noticed over the last few weeks how much time I spend complaining. Have caught myself dozens of times each day throwing out a comment or observation that doesn't enhance the conversation or make anyone feel good. In commiserating with friends, family or co-workers, I'm actually just spreading moments of mini-misery. A rude awakening for someone who prides herself on being positive.

So, I've decided to accept Sterling's challenge. But I'm such a complaint-offender, I better start with smaller chunks. As of 10:46 am today, I will not complain, grumble or say anything disparaging, sarcastic or derogatory for 1 week. The challenge became apparent almost immediately, but I'm proud to say, I am making huge strides! Made one slip this afternoon--I complained about building a hard-to-assemble shelving unit when, for the 3rd time this month, a floor model was sold even though we had several unassembled units in stock. As soon as the comment left my lips, I winced. I immediately apologized to the recipient of my complaint and then cheerfully built that shelf! Hurray, progress!

I can't wait to see how this challenge will change the way I live. What about you, Reader? Are you ready to make a change?

Today's Joy: Faith, Demonstrated.
It's been a hard day, Reader. I took my photo wares to my third show this year, very optimistic that this was it! I'd been praying and hoping the bad shows were behind me. I was finally going to recoup some of the cash that's been sunk into this venture! After all, I'm very proud of my work and the products I sell. They're thoughtfully-made from the best quality materials I could find. I'm proud to put my name on them.

However, once again, the show turnout was almost non-existent and for the second show in a row, I sold nothing. Yep, not a notecard. Not a bookmark. Zip! A few lovely people did stop by and offer encouraging feedback. There were also a few that monopolized 20 minutes or more of my time and man-handled several items before mumbling they were broke or unemployed and walking away. I tried not to notice when they bought ugly multi-colored roses made from wood chips at the booth next door.

I really tried to keep my positive attitude, but after six tedious hours of selling nothing, my positivity was utterly deflated. So, Mom took me out for a late lunch and we talked about what was successful (not much), what wasn't (a whole lot) and how to improve. Talking helped, but I was still in a funk.

After we parted ways, I realized there was still time to make the evening service at a local church God's been prompting me to visit. So I took my heavy heart over there and walked into a baptismal service.

Reader, there are few things more moving, more uplifting or more personal than watching someone who really believes in Jesus & God's love dedicate his or her life to God and re-affirm their faith. I watched a young widow renew her faith as she deals with grief and trying to move on. There was also an angry young man, now at peace with his demons. Most powerful though, was a couple being baptised. The husband led his wife, who has stage 4 breast cancer, into the pool and they went together. They were all so happy when they came out. It was really, REALLY wonderful and moved me to tears.

It also made me feel very silly for spending so much energy brooding over my problems. As a photographer, I spend a lot of time peering through a lens to capture little, infinitesimal moments of beauty. I forget sometimes that God uses me as a lens in the same way and I have to be just as mindful of those images. Good thing He loves me, 'cause I am SO not perfect! Is there anything He's put on your heart to see or do, Reader? If you're putting it off, what's stopping you?

Photo: Forsythia, 2008.

Today's Joy: Positivity. Well, Reader, it has been one of those days. The kind that makes it hard to keep smiling. The kind that requires a teensy glass of Riesling when you get home. Not surprisingly, I'm a bit tired & cranky.

But I'm also proud of myself. Despite a variety of obstacles popping up throughout the day, I did not lose my composure. I did not let other peoples' negativity or agendas wreck my positive attitude. Or, at least, not entirely. It would be untruthful to say I didn't struggle. But in the end, I got to help a few people today and projected the change I want to see. An uphill victory is better than none at all. I'm big on silver linings.