Pollyanna

(If, while reading this, you feel compelled to yell "Shut Up!" at the computer, I'll understand. Just please don't do it around my kids, because of course, "Shut Up!" is not a kind thing to say.)

To be clear, I'm not always a positive thinker. But, I'm not really moody either. In fact, my moods, except when pregnant, are not mercurial -- I am generally quite even keeled. This is partly due to how I came, as well as being raised by a mother who would not entertain prima donna behavior in the home. So, all that said, when I am a little down or bugged, I usually keep it to myself. I find small, under- the- breath mutterings, while driving, quite helpful.

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But, back in November, while attending the adult session of stake conference, I was privileged to hear a talk by my friend Dave Marriott. He said that we should be a happy and joyful people because in truth, we've so much for which to be thankful. Here's an excerpt:

"Being of good cheer as one author put it is about being thankful. Thankful:
- For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight,
because she is home with you, and not out with someone else.
- For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato,
because he is home with you and not out at the bars.
- For the teenager who complains about doing dishes
because it means she is at home, not on the streets.
- For the taxes you pay
because it means you are employed.
- For the mess to clean after a party
because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
- For the clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means you have enough to eat.
- For a lawn that needs mowing and windows that need cleaning
because it means you have a home
- For all the complaining about the government
because it means you have freedom of speech.
- For the parking spot you find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means you are capable of walking and have a car.
- For your huge heating bill
because it means you are warm.
- For the lady behind you in church who sings off key
because it means you can hear.
- For the pile of laundry and ironing
because it means you have clothes to wear.
- For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means you have been capable of hard work
- For the alarm that goes off
because it means you are alive."

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I have thought about this talk over and over again during the holidays. Between trips to Dallas and Phoenix, I was home only four days and found myself out in the driveway chipping away ice and shoveling snow. To be fair, I HATE that particular job. At our old place, we had a gardener who took care of this loathsome task for us. But, we haven't yet employed a gardener at this house so it fell to me to clear the drive and walks. So, I was shoveling snow and ice and grumbling to myself that I should have never left the Bay Area. Then, the little Pollyanna that this talk created in me said, "I should be glad I am shoveling snow because that means I have a strong back."

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Ahhh dangit.