Choose Joy

A wise man once said, "Most people are about as happy as they choose to be." That wise man was my Pappy.

We wake up everyday with the opportunity to be joyful. Of course some days it is easier than others, but I do believe that choosing joy is possible even in the worst of days. When I was younger, I thought that we were happy because we lived a blessed life. The older I become, the more I realize that my parents led my family through difficult times but chose to remain joyful. This may be the single most important lesson I learned from my upbringing--that everyday we are given the opportunity to choose joy--yes, it is a choice--no matter what our circumstances. Even when you feel there is nothing to be joyful about, there is the hope that we have in Jesus and knowing that He is our strength and our shield no matter what life brings.

This Christmas season my heart is full of joy in the blessings of God. This time last year Kyle and I were preparing to make the move to Houston, and in the back of my mind I wondered if we were making the right decision for our family. I wondered if moving our unborn child away from his grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. was a wise choice. I felt unsure for a small time, but through it all the Lord has protected my heart from sadness during this huge life transition. One day a few months ago my heart was homesick, and I made the comment to Kyle that we were crazy for leaving our family. He quickly reminded me that we are--the three of us--our family. God has a plan and a purpose for our little family unit, and it is here in Houston. Of course there are days that we long to see those that we love so dearly, but we stand firm in the knowledge that this is where God has planted us at least for this season. We cannot be selfish when it comes to living out that purpose.

I am filled with thankfulness to those who so selflessly reached out to us and welcomed us into their lives with no hesitation. Although there have been times and situations that could have easily shattered my joy since we moved here, God has so faithfully reminded me of my purpose in this life, which is to know Him and make Him known. My heart's desire for our family is that we would be known as people who look to God in any and every situation, and that we find joy through it all.

I challenge you this Christmas season--and always--to be joyful. If you are living and breathing, there is reason to celebrate. I think it is easier to dwell on situations of sadness during what is supposed to be such a happy time, but don't let Satan steal the Joy that is yours through Christ Jesus who came to earth in the lowliest of ways. He was not met with oodles of presents, and He did not live an easy life. If your life feels deprived of meaning, maybe you are not fulfilling the purpose God has planned for you. We are all charged with the responsibility of showing God's love to those around us so that they may come to know Him. If His people are not joyful, how can we convince others to come to Jesus? He has not promised us a life without tough times--in fact, He has promised us that there WILL be tough times--but that He will be with us through it all...every step of the way.

I hope that this Christmas is your best yet because you are filled with Joy that only Jesus can give.

Merry Christmas!!!!