How to Have a Great Day, Today!

Some of you might be a little grumpy today. If not today, then perhaps you had one of those “no good, very bad” days at some point in the past week or two. The fact is, we often have a bad day, and when we do, I hope you remember the lessons of camp.

We had bad days at camp, but for some reason, those bad days ended up being great. This is because of the Great Day Attitude that we practice and share with each other from Reveille to Taps. It is a way of living that works at camp, and it works at school too (though I admit that it is easier to live this way at camp than anywhere else).

This way of living has several facets: Social (make friends and have good conversations), Mental (a positive attitude toward every circumstance), Physical (eat well and exercise), and Spiritual (talk to God and read a little scripture).

We hope you are growing in the four-fold way every day, but if you can only do one thing today, we suggest you do something that might feel strange. Say thank you.

We always end our session with a theme of thanks. The last Morning Assembly devotion is always the story of the ten lepers that Jesus healed in Luke 17:11-19. You remember what happened: only one of the healed lepers thanked Jesus. This devotion always touches me deeply. I tear up because I am so thankful for you. Our campers will be leaving camp in just a day and possibly not returning for a long time and I am so very grateful. By then, we would have been living at camp together for a long time and we have grown a lot in that time. I know I will miss you when you go.

That day is spent with overwhelming thankfulness in our hearts… for the good times we shared, the way God made Himself known to us at surprising times, the great meals we shared, the memorable sunsets we watched as we caught fireflies after EP, the afternoon rainstorms, and daily DMC’s. In that moment, we share an appreciation of life and of camp that makes that day awesome.

Remember that moment and how good it felt to have an attitude of thanks in your heart all day long. Try to bring that energy back into your life by talking with Jesus. Talk to him and let Him know how thankful you are for all the good things in your life. Your family, your friends, your health, your dog… all the easy stuff. Then say thank you for the hard stuff.

Whatever is making you sad, anxious, or unsettled; all that stuff that you wish would go away. Admit those feelings, and thank Jesus for helping you in those situations. Thank Him for watching over you and making every circumstance work out for good (even if it is a hard or sad thing, know that He is in the middle of it all and He can be trusted). Do this and your day will be better… not just good but great!

Every circumstance of life is a blessing. When we are thankful for everything, good and bad, we are giving God the credit for everything, and He is glorified. Do this, and you will have a Great Day!

We love you and miss you all.