Choose Joy!

Some might wonder why the heading at the top of my post reads "Choosing Joy!" well, let me tell ya about it.

My theme in life is Choose Joy! and it has been that for some time now.
It's a realization I came to a long time ago... We are given EVERY day the God given luxury of choice and free will to choose how we will respond to the things, people and events that come our way. We can choose to be overcome by them, to become sullen or silent, to be afraid or angry, to be whiny or miserable AND to then subject that attitude on others! We also however have the choice to approach situations, people and events kindly, optimistically, positively, energetically, to tackle problems rather than let them steam roll us.... Basically, we have the option to choose JOY. I try to make this choice consciously every day. Do I always succeed? Of Course not! just ask anyone who has had to listen to me rant and whine about petty things. Am I always kind? Certainly not! just ask my kids! Do I get sullen and silent or whiny and annoying? of course I do, just ask anyone that knows me. But - I do try.

Choosing Joy doesn't mean facing the world with rose colored glasses. Nor does it mean to be naive about reality. It DOES however, mean facing things. Knowing our limits, understanding our obstacles and choosing to get around those in the way best for us. Wallowing never got anyone anywhere except deeper into the mud.

The definition of Joy in the dictionary reads: "deep happiness or contentment"

That's what it is.... Knowing that God has a plan - it's just my job to give every day to him, to be joyful and to pray.

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18