Pollyanna Panties and Rose Colored Glasses

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday was Girls’ Day out for Mom and me. I usually take her for a pedicure, and I don’t get one. Today I decided since Ronald  wasn’t with us and having to wait, I’d indulge and treat myself to one as well.

I really intended on just getting a pedicure. But when the girl doing Mom’s nails suggested painting my toe nails sparkling blue and I saw the results, my only option was to get my fingernails done as well. Too much fun!!!

Usually, I am much more frugal than to spend that kind of money on something so needless, and I should have known better. By late this morning, my beautiful nails had deteriorated horribly! Half the polish on one hand was missing, and the other hand was beginning to show the same signs. (I tried to post a picture, but it didn’t work!)

I could let that ruin my memory of yesterday’s time with Mom, or I could just say, “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit!” (Stephanie’s byline) Though saddened by the short duration of the polished beauty, I made an important decision. I decided to put on my Pollyanna Panties and my Rose Colored Glasses.

I want to remember the fun we had side by side as I tried to talk to Mom so she could hear me and still not disturb the other clients. I’m pretty sure I failed at that. I want to remember the sweetness of the girl who took such good care of Mom and the luxury of having my arms and arthritic hands massaged.

I want to remember the fun we had shopping, though that old lady wore me plumb out! We shopped ’til I dropped! And still forgot wrapping paper!

Our last necessary stop at Dairy Queen left me giggling. I ordered Mom a strawberry smoothie – her usual. She said delightedly, “Oh, this is so good! I don’t think I’ve had one of these in a long while!” She had one last week, she just didn’t remember. But that’s okay. She had on her Pollyanna attitude, and that made my day!

This holiday season, we all have expectations about how the celebrations should go. Like the little guy who doesn’t get his BB gun for Christmas, we’ll all be disappointed in some way if we let our hopes and delusions overcome our thankful spirit.

Things and events may not be perfect. Life never is. Accepting and being grateful even in our annoyances, sorrows, or misfortunes can be a life changer. Gratitude probably won’t change the circumstances, but it can change our spirits into peaceful vessels that pour blessings into others’ lives.

Who knew messed up finger nail polish could turn into a Preachin’ Alert?

Oh well.

Blessings

KB

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 talks about being a Christ-like fragrance and being a life-giving perfume to others. Can our sincere, thankful hearts breathe joy into someone else’s spirit this holiday season? Maybe think on it and give it a try.