The 1st time...

I like it when things turn out right.

The first time.

As a mom, I'd be delighted if I served a plate of food to my kids and they ate it all up with smiles and gratitude... the first time.

Or if they came when I called... the first time.

As a wife, I'd be over the moon if my husband would jump out of bed to retrieve

the crying baby... the first time.

Or if the key lime bars (insert here any other baked goods from apple pie to homemade brownies) that I whipped up to impress my man would actually turn out perfectly... the first time.

Or if the check book would balance... the first time.

Or the Advil would kick in... the first time.

As a teacher, if my "students" would listen attentively... the first time.

And as a budget conscience, thrifty consumer, if I could find my car in the WalMart parking lot (without wandering around aimlessly lost)... the first time.

But, alas, first time success is not always meant to be.

Often, there are unexpected challenges along the way.

Sometimes we get knocked around a little bit...

At times we run into outside interference... 

 

But if we focus on the trials and frustrations, we miss out on the lessons learned along the way.

Because although its usually not as frustrating when things turn out right the first time,

nor is it nearly as much fun...

Sometimes the joy and the laughter found along the way is worth the price of the small disappointments that at times we must endure.

Because, at the end of the day- if things have turned out right... just plain right... whether it was on the 1st, 3rd, or 115th try...

that means we've got something to appreciate and smile about.

Life is good!

Count your blessings.