We’re still in the throes of moving in and settling our new {temporary} home … so today Molly from Molly Madonna writes about how everything’s amazing but nobody’s happy. I know Molly through a number of ways – our husbands, church, Gleek Retreat and mutual friends to name a few, she’s an inspired writer and a great conversationalist. She always has the perfect thing to say. Take it away, Molly …

If you Google this phrase, you’ll land on a You Tube video I’ve determined the whole 1st world needs to see. This is my humble opinion, of course, but I figure it’s worth mentioning for a few who might do so upon suggestion. Disclaimer: It’s mildly profane in a spot or two, and it might sting a little if you’re human, like me. I still highly recommend it.

“Everything’s amazing and nobody’s happy.” How true it is. As the video suggests, we are so underwhelmed these days by the miracle of things we encounter in everyday life. Air travel, for instance. Or incredibly high speed smart phones. ATMs and online banking. Truly, utterly underwhelmed. Just today, I half-yelled at my phone when the internet wasn’t working at a speed I deem acceptable. Watch the video, I promise. It will clear up any confusion.

I find myself whispering the above title phrase in my mind often these days, and it’s been a humbling reminder. “Ugh. The coffee’s not hot enough.” Insert phrase. “But I don’t waaaaant to buy the generic version.” Insert phrase. “It’s too cold, too hot, too loud in here!” Insert phrase. What I should be thinking is, “Ahhh. Coffee…at least there’s money in my pocket to buy ANY version at all…thank goodness for air conditioning, heat, plenty of company.” I’m sure you see where I’m going with this.

Truth is, everything IS amazing. Even when I can’t see it that way. And no, my life isn’t perfect–far from it. I don’t always get my way, and my bank account runs too low for comfort sometimes. I can’t always just “fix it” when I so desperately want to, and my jeans from high school simply won’t fit. But I look around me and life is full of amazing things. This week, I was once again privy to an experience that overwhelms me in the very best way possible. I watched a child enter into this big, beautiful, colorful world. Took my breath away. Made me tear up. Brought me back to a place of, “Oh, wow. How incredible!” And the same could be said for so many moments–gigantic and small, where I take notice of the life around me and can’t help but be amazed.

I went for a run the other day and my legs worked like machines beneath me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not fast. Just in awe of how my muscles work to carry my body over long distances without giving way. I bought groceries and filled up my cart, then my trunk, then my pantry. I considered people I’ve met all over the world who would be aghast at the feast I consider my “weekly shopping.” I walked outside this morning to birds chirping, drizzling rain, fresh air, bright red blossoms. Man, am I lucky.

And I thought I was having one of the most challenging, emotional, trying weeks of my entire life. Actually, I still am. Maybe I’ll be able to write about all of it someday. For now though, I’ll do my best to look around me and remember to think, “everything sure is pretty amazing.” Because deep down past the junk and the hurt and the pressures of the moment, there’s still fresh, raw, vulnerable hope; and life IS amazing; and somewhere, there’s room in my heart for happy.