On a recent minivan drive I popped in a movie that I thought
would incite backlash remarks…no hobbits, no light sabers, and no transforming
robots. From the front passenger seat I started hearing recognizable music and
Hailey Mills’s iconic voice, and I braced myself for comments from the back two
rows. Instead, as the kids started watching Pollyanna
I heard chuckles, “I love this movie,” and a request on the journey home for a
repeat viewing. This warmed my heart because, as kids, my sister and I watched
this movie over and over. I secretly wanted to attend the bazaar at the film’s end
to get a slice of sky high layer cake.
The lesson of the movie—in case you’ve never seen the 1960 Disney
classic—is to make the best of any situation. To be glad no matter what. To
determine what’s good…even if seemingly bad. Which got me thinking…there must
be a post in here somewhere.
In life—is it healthier to be content? To always see the
good? Or to see the flaws and strive for better?
In my family, sometimes even unconsciously, whenever life
throws a lemon, my parents or siblings predictably respond, “Well, it could be
worse.”
So, when putting your situation in perspective—friendships,
marriage, jobs, health--do you stop with “it could be worse” and simply be
grateful for the current state? Or do you actively try to improve?
I’ve always loved the newspaper’s comics section—admittedly making
me feel less intellectual when I get tossed the funnies while my husband reads
about world events. One strip I’ve missed is Lynn Johnston’s For Better or For Worse comic—which
detailed the seemingly real lives of the Patterson family from 1979 to
2008. Johnston’s take on
marriage, sibling dynamics, and current events always made me think—this
happens in every community and family. And usually I’d smile—and even sometimes
feel the tug on my heartstrings.
The strip ends with Liz marrying her high school friend,
Anthony. On the wedding day the mom, Elly, tells her friend, Connie, “This is
all happening so fast.”
Indeed, life speeds by with a pace sometimes leaving me
breathless and prompting an 8:30 PM bedtime. Since that is the case, and we
only have so much time together on this planet…why not combine the practice of
being ever-grateful, balanced with a focus to improve what’s important to you. If
you miss a friend, make more of an effort to spend time together. If spousal expectations
lack, communicate what you need to improve the marriage. It’s not an “or”
proposition…it’s for better AND for worse. You don’t have to be content at the
expense of not enhancing. And be glad that you devoted the energy to fulfill your
life’s potential and happiness.
http://www.fbofw.com/ Lynn
Johnston’s official website for her comic strip, For Better or For Worse
