DEBORAH CORRAO / L’Observateur / February 19, 2000

It’s a tradition after Wednesday night choir rehearsal at our church for choir members to join hands in a prayer circle. It’s a time we share our joys and sorrows,our prayer concerns. It’s then that we mention people who are sick or grieving orfacing problems. It’s also a time to share our joys.Last Wednesday night there were many sorrows mentioned – those who were facing life-threatening diseases, those who had lost loved ones through tragedy, those who had hard choices to make.

After hearing so many concerns, one member said, “Well, I guess I’m not so sick after all.”Indeed, we are not so sick after all. Every now and then, though, we all need agentle reminder to count our blessings, especially when life is getting us down or we find ourselves trying to deal with stress.

What a joy it is to get up in the morning with another day to look forward to – a gift of 24 hours that we can spend as we choose. You may be saying to yourself, “Idon’t get to spend my time as I choose. I have to work. I have obligations. I haveresponsibilities.”You have to remember that even the obligations and responsibilities are choices.

We choose each day to go to work, to take care of our loved ones, to meet our commitments to our community, church and family.

How much happier we would be if we viewed our tasks as choices, saying instead, “Today I’m choosing to go to my job. I am choosing to work to take care of myfamily and my obligations, to support and sustain myself.”It’s just a little mind shift, but what a difference it makes. A burden is lifted fromour shoulders. The whole experience changes when looked upon as a choice ratherthan a mandate.

If you are still not happy with your circumstances, it may be time for a change. Youmay begin to look at other choices – a new job, different leisure activities.

The most important thing, no matter what you do, is to approach every activity with gratitude. Be thankful for your health, prosperity and talents.Each day is a gift. Appreciate it.

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