Life is tough, at least at times. All kinds of problems come our way and the daily grind of difficult relationships can easily weigh us down and rob us of our joy, spontaneity, humor, and optimism. We can find ourselves focusing on the negative, losing hope, reacting to everything like it is monumental, becoming intense, and projecting into the future. Instead of doing all this, try “giving it a light touch” by doing the following:

• Don’t be so serious.
• Think the best of someone instead of the worst.
• Choose to be optimistic instead of pessimistic.
• Laugh at yourself, including your mistakes.
• Laugh with someone else.
• Overlook the little things.
• Don’t react to something that bothers you.
• Smile purposefully.
• Look around you and enjoy what you see.
• Choose to be happy and joyful.
• Say something nice to the next person you see.
• Walk with a skip in your step.
• Count your blessings by making a gratitude list each morning.
• Understand why someone acted poorly and offer grace.

These are all little ways you can give your life and relationships a light touch. You will see that when you laugh at the world the world will laugh back at you. Don’t let life’s problems and difficult people rob you of the ability to enjoy each day that the Lord gives you.

By Karla Downing

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Restore the joy of my salvation so I can treasure each day as a gift from you.

Relationship Devotional Challenge

•  Purpose to give it a light touch.

Scripture Meditation

 
Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” (NIV).

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (NIV).

Proverbs 31:25

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (NIV).