As a father of two, soon to be three, I often find myself learning life’s greatest lessons from the simplest moments. My 11-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son have an uncanny ability to remind me of truths I too easily forget amidst the busyness of adulthood. One such truth echoes through a phrase my daughter has joyfully proclaimed countless times throughout her life: “This is the best day ever!”

At first glance, these words might seem like an exaggerated expression of excitement. Were those days really the best ever? Probably not, at least by adult standards. Did we do something extraordinary to warrant such enthusiastic praise? More often than not, the answer was no. Yet, there is something profound hidden in those five simple words: an attitude of gratitude and wonder that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The Power of Attitude

What makes “This is the best day ever!” so impactful isn’t the activities themselves, but the attitude behind them. My kids don’t always live in this state of awe and excitement. There are days filled with complaints, boredom, or even tears. But when they encounter moments that make them feel special, valued, or simply alive, they can’t help but declare their joy to the world. Whether it’s a trip to the park, a special dessert after dinner, or a family game night, these seemingly small moments become monumental because of their perspective.

This attitude of gratitude and joy is essential to living a fulfilling life. It’s a reminder that we don’t need extravagant experiences to find happiness. Instead, we can choose to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and celebrate the beauty of each moment.

Childlike Faith: A Model for Adults

As adults, we often lose this childlike wonder. We become bogged down by responsibilities, worries, and the endless pursuit of “success.” We overlook the blessings that surround us, waiting instead for grand achievements or milestone events to bring us joy. But what if we flipped that script? What if, like my children, we allowed ourselves to be amazed by the small things—a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of a sunset?

Jesus spoke of the importance of childlike faith, a faith that trusts, believes, and marvels. This is the attitude my kids remind me to adopt when they burst out with, “This is the best day ever!” They’re teaching me to count my blessings and find joy in the provision, love, and grace that God offers each day. Their exuberance reminds me to say, “God, this is the best day ever,” not because everything is perfect, but because I’ve chosen to see the good.

The Transformative Impact of Gratitude

Living with this attitude isn’t just a way to feel happier—it’s transformative. When we choose to focus on our blessings, no matter how small, our perspective shifts. We become more content, more hopeful, and more resilient. Gratitude has the power to lift us out of the mundane and help us see life through a lens of possibility and purpose.

Imagine how your life might change if you adopted this perspective. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have or what went wrong, you’d celebrate the little victories, the small joys, and the quiet moments of peace. You’d find yourself saying, “This is the best day ever,” not because your circumstances are flawless, but because your heart is full.

A Challenge to Embrace the “Best Day Ever” Mindset

So how can we cultivate this essential attitude in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Count Your Blessings: Take time each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Write them down or say them aloud. As the old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God has done.”

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for monumental achievements to feel accomplished. Celebrate the little things that bring you joy or make you feel valued.

3. Practice Presence: Be fully present in the moment. Put down your phone, step away from distractions, and engage with the people and experiences right in front of you.

4. Adopt a Childlike Faith: Approach life with curiosity, wonder, and trust. Allow yourself to be amazed by the everyday miracles that surround you.

5. Speak Life: Just as my kids declare, “This is the best day ever,” speak words of positivity and gratitude over your own life. Your words have the power to shape your perspective.

Conclusion

“This is the best day ever” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset, a choice to embrace joy, gratitude, and wonder. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest blessings are often found in the simplest moments. So today, take a page from my kids’ playbook. Open your heart to the beauty around you, count your blessings, and declare with childlike faith, “This is the best day ever!” You might just find that this attitude changes everything.