It just depends

The mother arrived late in the third inning of the softball game.

“How did you do the first time up?” she asked her 10-year-old daughter.

“That depends on how you look at it,” the girl replied calmly, and I had to admire her outlook.

The young batter had made an out, and most people, especially parents, would consider that pretty bad.

But, as this girl saw it, she didn’t strike out or pop it up. She didn’t get hit by a pitch. She didn’t get caught looking at a called third strike.

She made a level swing at a good pitch and made contact. When you look at it like that, in her mind, she did a pretty good job.

She just didn’t make it to first base before they threw her out.

That young lady knows the secret not many know: You don’t always have to win to win.

It just depends on how you look at it.

You can find failure in everyone you meet, or you can find success — just depends on how you look at them.

The choice is always up to you.

The worst of days still have some redeeming quality if you open you eyes to find it. The worst basketball game loss always had some moments of brilliant play. The meanest person still has some beautiful aspect if you are willing to search for it. The saddest moments of life can still hold power for growth and love if you allow yourself to truly experience their fullness.

Whether you find happiness or sadness in life really just depends on how you look at it, so live this day well.