Is your cup 1/2 full or 1/2 empty???

Everyone has something that they struggle with - or that they have to - or - had to overcome.

When I was 4.5 years old, my dad passed away suddenly - he was only 28, my mom was 27 , and my little sister, Michelle was 16 months old. From that moment, my life - OUR life - forever changed. That doesn't mean that it was all bad - but it certainly didn't turn out like our human-fleshly-selves thought it "should". There were hurdles, there were tears, there was pain. But there was also a lot of joy, hope, love and forgiveness mixed in as well.

I pride myself on living life with my cup "more" than 1/2 full! I'm an optimist - I believe in the idea that nothing is by "chance" - and I admire those who have overcome much harder adversities, yet choose to remain happy and fun people. 9 times out of 10 those very people are willing to do something more for someone else just to see them smile. I love people like that and I strive to be one of those people myself with every passing day.

Tonight, I'm pondering the question - what about the people who live their lives with their cup ALWAYS 1/2 empty - always down and out - always mad at the world - and just flat out (ahem) pissed! that they didn't get the life that they "deserved"???

Now, because I choose every day to live my life from the completely opposite prospective, I have a hard time believing that those people ever really experience true joy, hope, or love without first offering someone or something forgiveness.

I mean, really? There are a lot of times in my life when I could have just thrown my hands up and said, "oh well, I'm destined to fail - I'll just be a martyr all my life!" But honestly, people, what kind of a life is that? Why not work on forgiving the people or situation that wronged you and MOVE ON??? Because in the end, those people or that situation, THEY aren't HURTING? You are! News FLASH: Those people may not even KNOW they did something wrong!?

Thank God for His forgiveness in MY life... He's constantly offering it to me and my very FLAWED self - and trust me, I don't deserve it - but He gives it to me anyway!

And while, I KNOW everyone has a story - forgiveness is forgiveness! It always seems hard to forgive - regardless of the situation. And you know what? That person/situation may not deserve the forgiveness... But man, after the forgiveness is given, a fresh perspective is gained that is ALWAYS worthy of a "more-than-1/2 full-cup-kinda-life"! Its awesome because the weight is lifted, the burden is lighter, and because His love endures forever - Enter stage left: TRUE JOY, LOVE, and HOPE!

Anyone have any thoughts that they would like to share on this?

Come on, people... I KNOWWW you're out there... I'm a Blog-alker myself, remember? It takes one to know one! Bring on the comments! Where are you????? I can not seeeeee you, COME CLOSER!!!! :-)