What To Do When Something Great Happens

< Go Back to Commander Kellie's Corner

At first I thought, Everyone knows what to do when something great happens. You jump up and down and run around the room, right?

If not, your natural excitement will generally decide for you how to respond and what to do. So why write about it? Because as I was thinking about what to help you with, that title came to my heart. I, too, had to stop and ask why. So, let’s learn about this important “What to do when…” together.

First, go ahead and get excited about the good thing that has happened for you! Sometimes you may be embarrassed about showing how you feel, but don’t worry—it is good for your soul to be expressive. Your soul is your mind, will and emotions. Or you could say your thinker, chooser and feeler. Let it be joyful!

Next, no matter how the exciting thing happened or came to you, remember this scripture: “Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all” James 1:17, Common English Bible.

If it is good, it came from our heavenly Father! He is the Master gift-giver (remember His all-time gift, JESUS!). The Passion Translation says, “Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. God was delighted to give us birth by the truth of his infallible Word so that we would fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!” James 1:17-18.

I like the part that says, “so that we would fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!” When something great happens, let it remind you that God put you here on earth so He could bless you. Receive every good gift as a message of His love for you AND that you are one of His very favorites out of all He created.

So, the next step is pretty obvious after realizing where the gift originated (started from). Be grateful to the Lord. Tell Him, “Thank You!” Even as you are jumping up and down, excited, express your excitement and gratitude to Him. “Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him. Tell the nations what he has done” Psalm 105:1, International Children’s Bible.

When you give thanks to the Lord, it blesses Him. It opens the door for Him to bless you even more! There is another great thing that happens when you thank the Lord. Your friends hear you praise Him! When you give God praise, you testify of His goodness. Your gratefulness may cause them to turn their hearts to Him too. Part of being thankful when you receive money, is to tithe on it, or give 10 cents out of every dollar to the Lord. That’s super important.

Wait! We aren’t done with our thanks just yet. Don’t forget to thank the person or people who God brought the blessing through. If Mom or Dad gave you a gift, thank them. Even if the great thing wasn’t a gift but you achieved a great accomplishment. Think about anyone who helped you, inspired you or made it possible. Give them a huge thank-you!

Lastly, remember how excited you are about your big blessing when it’s time to take care of it or follow through with responsibility later. Huh? Allow me to illustrate: Did you get that cute puppy you wanted? Remember to keep the gratitude when it’s time to feed it or pick up the poo. You got the best part in your school musical? YAY you! Remember how amazing that is when you have to rehearse on Saturday instead of play with your friends. You got a new bike? That’s awesome. Show your appreciation by putting it away at night instead of leaving it in the front yard.

There are many ways our hearts can respond when something great happens, and there’s not enough space or time to think of them all. But I must add one more. Superkid, when we are blessed, let’s be ready to share and sow out of our blessings into others. Let’s be generous and give others a big break or cause them to rejoice at their blessing. If we are open to His leading, the Lord will let us be part of someone else’s big moment of greatness.

YOU are part of my great life, Superkid. I love you and I am grateful for YOU!

Thankfully,

Commander Kellie ♥