This post is part of my 31 Days of Transformation series. To read the rest of the series, click the tab above.
WooHoo! My sister was released from the hospital a day earlier than expected, so she is home relaxing in her favorite recliner and I am, well, blogging.
This morning, after very few hours of uninterrupted sleep, I was a little grouchy and feeling a bit sorry for myself. (Isn’t that awful? Here I am healthy and able to help, and I am feeling sorry for ME. Shame.)
I headed down to the hospital cafeteria looking less than my best. Can anyone say “bedhead” and “no makeup” and “no shower”?
This isn’t just a small town hospital we are talking about, but one of the major and most respected teaching hospitals in the country. People come here with BIG medical problems.
There were other family members in the cafeteria, too, and as I looked around, I wondered what sad, sad stories they would tell me if we had a chance to get acquainted.
I got in the omelet line behind three 20-something girls all dressed in their scrubs getting ready to eat breakfast together. They were having such a good time! They were giggling, and high-fiving, smiling, and generally spreading joy in that early-morning place.
As I watched them, I was reminded how contagious joy can be. I’m sure I am not the only individual who was cheered up by their friendliness and joie de vivre.
There was no need for my sad face and grouchy attitude, and those sweet girls helped turn my day around and transform a negative attitude.
I hope I remember tomorrow that each day I have a choice about my attitude, and I will probably get back from others exactly what I project to them.
No one wants to be near a grouch.
I pray that my actions and demeanor will project the love of Christ, which he has poured out so graciously and this world needs so badly.
Thank you so much for your book recs yesterday. I have already read several of them, but think I will download A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.
I'm so glad your sister is well enough that she got to go home! I recently clocked a lot of hours at the hospital visiting someone I love. Make no excuses for the way you look, as you said, everyone there probably had a sad story to tell. And I agree, being around happy people makes me happy, too! It contagious!
XO,
Jane
Great post!! Now I want to go around spreading joy 🙂
Thankful your sister is home. I don't like hospitals much. And you are right, no one wants to be near us when we are grumpy. There is joy to be had, even there! Have a great weekend.
Susan, You are counting your blessings , I see.:):) Good for you honey. Wishing your sister the best. Smiles to all, Susie
I LOVE hospital food especially in Louisville,Ky…haha I'm not kidding!
So glad your sissy is getting better and is home.
The barn sale was so amazing and I'm so sad it's over. The friends I made was more valuable than the items I sold. I guess I made about $250 above the rent and I'm happy, although clearly that won't pay for a mission trip.
Susan, this is so
true and really made
me smile. I guess if
you work in a hospital,
you need to be able
to sieze joy where you
can find it….
Happy Sunday!
xo Suzanne
Absolutely! Moods are contagious, so I try to be joyful and kind every day in hopes that others will be as well. 🙂
sagegrayson.com
Susan, what a great post and a great reminder. We've all seen it in some form or another, but it definitely bears repeating. I'm so glad to hear your sister is back at home. I'm sure your being with her both at the hospital and back at home is appreciated more than you know. Have a great week.
Debbie (your newest follower!)