the Good, the Better, and the Best

Good is waking up after a restful sleep. Better is rising to sunshine after a restful sleep. Best is rising to sunshine after a restful sleep, without a migraine.

Good is drinking a hot mug of black tea with milk. Better is embracing a hot mug of Irish Breakfast tea with half and half. Best is embracing a hot mug of Irish Breakfast tea with half and half while munching a blueberry muffin.

Good is having that refreshed feeling in my mouth after visiting the dentist. Better is having that refreshed feeling and no cavities. Best is having that refreshed feeling, no cavities, and knowing I do not have to sit in the dental chair with my mouth wide open for half an hour for another six months.

Good is sipping instant noodle soup when I am feeling under the weather. Better is slurping a bowl of homemade chicken soup with carrots, celery, and rice. Best is enjoying a bowl of homemade chicken soup someone else made and not having to clean up afterward.

Good is arriving safely at my destination after driving for eight hours. Better is greeting the loved ones I have traveled so far to see. Best is living in the present and relishing time spent with those loved ones despite knowing that before long, I will have to get back in my vehicle and drive another eight hours home.

Good is finding a chocolate bar unexpectedly where I forgot I hid it. Better is finding a ten-dollar bill in an old wallet. Best is spending ten dollars on ingredients to make a luscious chocolate dessert.

Good is chatting on the phone with my daughter. Better is when she calls me because I know I must have been in her thoughts. Best is when we video chat and can see each other’s faces.

Good is listening to rain falling on the roof and knowing I will stay dry. Better is stepping outdoors after the rain and listening to the birds chirping about the storm. Best is discovering that raindrops and bird conversations delight and soothe me.

Good is soaking in a tub of bubbles. Better is relaxing with a fascinating book after drying off. Best is knowing that tomorrow night I will have enough bubble bath for more luxury and additional, immersing chapters to devour.

Good is discovering a new song on my music app. Better is learning all the words to that song. Best is belting that tune while exercising on my stationary bike.

Good is stumbling across a great online deal. Better is knowing I do not have to fight crowds or traffic to take advantage of the deal. Best is opening my front door, reaching for the package, opening it, and then feeling relief because it has arrived undamaged in less than three days.

Good is believing I am normal. Better is accepting that I may not be normal. Best is not caring in the least whether I am normal.

Good is having a cold but no fever. Better is being over that cold. Best is being grateful that most of the year, I am healthy.

Good is surviving over sixty years on earth. Better is not merely surviving but thriving during those years. Best is looking forward to the infinite time I will spend with my Savior when my time on earth is over.

Good is recalling a great memory. Better is sharing that memory with loved ones who also remember and enjoy that memory. Best is creating new memories that are as sweet and special as the old ones.

Good is encountering quiet time. Better is appreciating that quiet time. Best is when that quiet time is with God.

Good is laughing while watching a sitcom. Better is laughing while watching my grandchildren play. Best is being able to laugh at myself.

Good is feeling proud of something I have done or achieved. Better is feeling proud of what my children do and achieve. Best is being aware that without God none of these accomplishments would be possible.

Good is being inspired by art. Better is growing and transforming because of that art. Best is recognizing that the artist is God.

Good is having faith. Better is having hope. Best is LOVING.