Choose Joy

The day before had been a long one, and the night had been short. When I woke up yesterday morning, let's just say I didn't feel like being cheerful. I was tired. I was slightly grouchy. And I felt like going back to bed.

During my devotions that morning, God challenged me. I was reminded that each day I have a choice. A choice between throwing a pity party for myself or being joyful. One verse that came to mind was "Be joyful always, pray continually." I realized that I had a choice before me, and my response to that choice would determine how my day went. So I asked God to help me be joyful, even though I wasn't feeling joyful. And you know what? I had a pretty good day.

God showed me how many things - even little things - that I had to be thankful for. I have the opportunity to learn. I have an amazing family who I love a ton. I have the freedom to worship God. I have a roof over my head and I never wonder if I will have to go to bed hungry. God has blessed me more than I could ever deserve, and has given me so many reasons to be joyful.

And for a little bonus that made my day even brighter, that afternoon my sister Sarah and I made Oreo Cheesecake for her birthday. We laughed a lot and ate way too much cream cheese filling. We made a mess of the kitchen as we measured and mixed, but it was so much fun! (And I'll have to say that the final product of all our work was pretty good too...it tastes as yummy as it looks!)

Life would be dull and boring without joy! So take a look around and look at all that God has given you to be thankful for. Today you and I have a choice...choose JOY!