Sculptor's Attitude

Last week I had one of those days. I worked all day, and then had to attend an industry dinner. So here I am 10:00 at night, driving home in the pouring rain, tired and feeling frustrated as I thought over the events of the day. I had the radio on and the announcer came on and read the following poem:

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friend or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provide shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

The poem hit me like a ton of bricks. It made me stop and realize that I truly "sculpted" a bad day, right from the minute I awoke. The poem was almost like a wake up call for me.

Just hearing the poem changed my whole attitude. Now driving in the pouring rain, didn't seem so bad, it made me laugh to think a couple of minutes before the poem was read, I was frustrated because of the rain. I was frustrated by my job, however, after hearing the poem I refocused and realized I should be thankful for my job. A simple poem, heard at a time when I needed a good shake.

Our attitude determines so much. It affects not only us, but it affects those around us, our family, our friends, and our co-workers. While I have always realized, I control my own attitude, this poem made me realize I was not doing a great job on that particular day.

I located the poem on the internet, and have since shared it with many, yourselves included. It is a great poem to share with children as well as adults!

ps: if anyone does know who the author is please let me know (stresslesscountry@hotmail.com), so I can give proper credit.