Three Good Things

Now that I have a little more down time than I did last year, my husband and I are finally APPRECIATING it. And for us, that’s huge. We’ve been spending the last few months building up our marriage, spending time as a family, figuring out our spiritual needs, getting more sleep, eating better, and exercising more. We both agree we’re happier right now than we’ve ever been– I feel, honestly, like we’ve finally reached our honeymoon years. We’ve successfully raised one set of kids and we’re in those blissful post-toddler, pre-puberty years with our younger children. We know each other really, really well now, and we’re lucky to have grown closer together over the last 12 years, instead of farther apart. I know, looking around me, that that can go either way.

Spiritually, we’ve been digging deeper into what we believe and why we believe it. This is so important to me now that I have kids who are starting to ask tough questions about why we’re here and what happens to us when we die. As most of you know, I’m a Christian and so that’s our foundation- but I want to raise my kids to recognize what’s good in the world and focus on adding to it. The force of good is a central part of every belief system- It binds us together, no matter our religion (or lack thereof). To that end, I’ve been showing them lots of videos that demonstrate positive values. We relate them to our foundation, but anyone could watch them and get something out of them, no matter their beliefs. I love that.

All this is to preface what I’m about to show you- Three things that really inspired me this week. Three things I want to share with my family. Three things that add to the good in the world. I’m trying to stay centered on these kinds of things right now, rather than let myself become overwhelmed by all that’s negative.

First up, a video from my friend and co-worker Holly Ellis, who works at CafeMom. Her 92-year-old grandmother died recently, but just six weeks before she died, she did something really amazing. Check out the video Holly made about it- It’s worth watching and it will stick with you long after it’s over:

Next, a video that’s being shared on Facebook right now. I LOVE THIS. Get the tissues ready:

Finally, a post from the wonderfully wise and yet not at all preachy Katherine Stone. I got to meet Katherine briefly at a party last summer and I instantly liked her. Now, I understand why. Every single one of you should read this wonderful post, and take it to heart. Take your place in the spotlight. It is your place and you deserve it, no matter what anyone else has to say.

If these three things don’t make your weekend a tiny bit better, then… I can’t help you.

Enjoy!

Image via ikewinski/Flickr