It's A Great Day to be Alive

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Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Philippians 4:11

Today was NOT a beautiful day.  I awoke to overcast, grey skies with a strong north wind and temperatures in the mid 40's and drizzling rain.  I put on another pot of coffee when I got to the office and waited for a break in the rain before I went outside to take inventory of the various products we have on hand.  Dreary days have a way of affecting your mood and outlook.

There's a country music song from about 20 years ago, written by Darrell Scott and sung by Travis Tritt, that speaks to me about NOT letting dreary weather or circumstances affect your state of mind. It's about being optimistic despite undergoing hard times and finding things to be thankful for even when the sun's not shining.  The chorus actually says, "I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes..."  To me, that says that everything's going to be alright.  Being content in simple things, like cooking rice, growing out your beard, or making soup is an attribute that is almost forgotten in today's world in which we constantly compare ourselves to "the Joneses" and manufacture offenses and grievances.

I've posted the video below.  You can click the arrow to watch.  I've also posted the lyrics below.   I hope it makes your day a little bit brighter!

I got rice cooking in the microwave
I got a three day beard I don't plan to shave
It's a goofy thing but I just gotta say, hey,
I'm doing alright

Yeah I think I'll make me some home-made soup
I'm feeling pretty good and that's the truth
It's neither drink nor drug induced, no,
I'm just doing alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

It's been fifteen years since I left home
I said good luck to every seed I'd sown
Gave it my best and then I left it alone
I hope they're doing alright

Now I look in the mirror and what do I see
A lone wolf there staring back at me
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Lord I guess he's doin' alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

Sometimes it's lonely, sometimes it's only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I'm falling, desperately calling
Howling at the moon, ah-ooh, ah-ooh

Well, I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for three day cruise
Might even grow me a fu man chu

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good, ah-ooh, oh yeah