
It is my deepest desire when I write to be transparent, encourage others by sharing my lessons learned, and to always share the hope of Christ and glorify God. I write as the Lord impresses on my heart, whether it be good, bad or ugly.
Today, I want - need - to make it clear that, while most of my posts have been about the bad and ugly struggles, good actually consumes my life. I am blessed beyond measure, not just materialistically, but with abundant joy.
Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is based on my feelings in response to the moment and situation; joy is soul deep, unchanging and comes from my faith in Jesus. Joy often oozes out unexpectedly and gives me hope in the face of tough situations.
I am cheerful by nature and always try to see my cup as half-full, even when my cup has an obvious leak. I love to laugh; especially the gut-clenching, tear-streaming, snort-inducing kind of laughter. I have always been perky. (I may or may not be guilty of bumping my perk level up a few notches when I encounter chronic Eyeore-like folks, smiles.) I am amused when I meet someone for the first time, because often they don’t quite know how to respond to my perkiness. I am often accused of having a Pollyanna attitude.
Many years ago, I traveled back for a high school class reunion with one of my BFFs from senior year. On the drive to the event, I told her I was not going to be like I was in high school; I was going to be reserved and not be the one to initiate conversation. As we walked towards the venue, I encountered a classmate I did not expect to see; I squealed in delight and started chatting. My friend whispered in my ear, “Well, that didn’t take long at all. So much for your reserved demeanor…”
The Lord gave me a dominant encouragement gene. I am encouraged most when I encourage others. I always root for the underdog and hunt out the new person in the crowd. I am a fixer and a mother-hen. I find great joy spending time with friends and being alone. Joy finds me while I am porch-sitting, beach-walking and treasure-hunting.
This post is not intended to elevate myself in any way. The sole purpose is to say that, even in the midst of storms, trials or hard lessons, there is good. Good is always the victor.
I choose good. I choose joy. I choose Jesus. Always.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
~ Psalm 28:7
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