Join the Conversation: Week Four

       What was the best day(s) in your life?
       That is the question for the fourth week of our Join the Conversation initiative. I’m guessing that the responses will be as varied as those sharing them.
       As I’ve thought about the question, a song by the band American Authors keeps playing in my mind. Here ae a few lines of the lyrics from “Best Day of My Life”:

       But all the possibilities
       No limits just epiphanies . . .
       I’m never gonna look back
       Woah, never gonna give it up . . .
       This is gonna be the best day of my life
        I also recently discovered a poem by Gregory M. Lousignont. The poem describes “The Best Day of My Life”:
       Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever!
       There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And 
       because I did I’m going to celebrate!
       Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the 
       accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they
       have served to make me stronger.

---

       I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will
       marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the
       trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will
       escape my notice.
       Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I’ll make someone
       smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for
       someone I don’t even know.
       Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I’ll tell a child
       how special he is, and I’ll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and
       how much she means to me.
       Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don’t have and start being grateful
       for all the wonderful things God has already given me.
       I’ll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and
       the Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.
       And tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I
       will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God
       for these magnificent treasures.
       As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty
       for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited
       with expectation because know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life,
       ever!
       I hope you will share about the best day(s) in your life. Your responses to that and other questions about navigating the third third of life will help shape a new resource: Thoughts About Traveling the Third Third of Life.
       To join the conversation:

• Leave a reply to this post.
  
• Participate in our Zoom coffee chats at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.
  
• Share your thoughts on the Elder Care Ministries (ABCORI) group’s Facebook page.
  
• Send your responses via e-mail to eldercare@abcori.org.
  
• Leave a voice-mail message with your thoughts at (401) 522-9731.
  
• Mail your responses to Elder Care Ministries, 54 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI 02822.

                                                                                                                   KP