Knowing Father White so influenced my life. He opened my eyes to seeing all of the miracles that happen everyday. Father White was my high school principal back in 1964. I reconnected with him in 1983 when my family and I moved to Las Vegas. We formed a lifelong friendship and bond.
Father White's focus was always to Love Jesus, and to Love one another. To live life with an open and grateful heart. His spiritual mentoring led me to look at life so differently. In 1993, April 20th I awoke at 4:30 in the morning. I felt rested and full of life. Before going downstairs I looked in on our precious little daughter who would soon be three years old. I thanked God for that miracle who was still sound asleep. I blessed her. I looked in on our sons and blessed each of them. I looked at my precious wife asleep. I blessed her for the amazing woman, wife and mom that she had always been. The poor woman was exhausted from keeping up with our three children, and yet she did it with so much joy in her heart. It was my 44th birthday that day.
I fixed myself a cup of coffee and grabbed a pen and pad of paper. I had to write what was in my heart. The following words found their way onto the paper and I wrote "The Best Day Of My Life." Since that time, this little meditation has been published in five books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. Parts of it have been made into greeting cards. I have received hundreds of letters from people who have read this meditation and said that it has helped them in so many ways. These people come from all walks of life and some of their stories are heart crushing. They have included people who are suffering from cancer or who have survived, people in recovery, people serving time in prison, people suffering from depression.
A lady named Susan Jones, who is a songwriter, even turned it into a religious song.
This meditation went half-way around the globe to Gambia, where a group of school children recited it as a presentation.
Never underestimate the power of your words, whether they be negative or positive, because they affect people. Father White's wise counsel blessed me with a grateful heart. Living life each day as a blessing from God, inspired me to write the words. Apparently these words have touched many people's lives in a positive way.
May all of our words be words of love, kindness, and inspiration in Chirst's name.
The Best Day of My Life
by Gregory M. Lousignont, Ph.D. © 1993
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.
I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.
Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.
Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.
I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and His Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.
And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.
As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!
Comments