Joy In the Morning
I’ve found the recipe for being happy.
Philippians 4:10 (Message)
Hello Friend,
Did you wake feeling happy? If you did, I’m glad. If not, how come? What is causing you distress? Paul says, “I’ve learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much.” I don’t think I need more; I just want my stuff organized. When the Christmas décor was stashed away, somehow everything in my home needed a tune-up. Drawers and closets had become disorganized, and I dislike mess.
And I ask myself, “Is the mess I dislike really about my need for order? Or, am I discontented with my messy life?” January is all about making resolutions to change. My list is long: I want. . . I wish. . . I will. . .
Ann Voskamp has written, “You can have joy any moment you turn hidden greed for more into honest gratitude for now.” Hidden Greed! Perhaps, that’s my problem. I don’t want more things—I want more joy. And the secret of joy is gratitude for now. My cheeks redden with embarrassment. How had I strayed from my habit of gratitude? I realize that dissatisfaction has made a home in my heart. Discontent is sneaky. It’s sly. It had slipped into my consciousness and was destroying my joy—one negative thought at a time. The devil roams seeking to steal, kill, and destroy joy. And my greed has opened the window for unhappiness.
I pause and give thanks for today; today with all its messiness. One thought—one line at a time—I write in my gratitude journal and contentment surfaces. I’m still on my spiritual journey. Learning. Growing. Practicing. One day at a time, with each step, I’m learning to be live joyfully.
Linda
I’ve found the recipe for being happy.
Philippians 4:10 (Message)
Hello Friend,
Did you wake feeling happy? If you did, I’m glad. If not, how come? What is causing you distress? Paul says, “I’ve learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much.” I don’t think I need more; I just want my stuff organized. When the Christmas décor was stashed away, somehow everything in my home needed a tune-up. Drawers and closets had become disorganized, and I dislike mess.
And I ask myself, “Is the mess I dislike really about my need for order? Or, am I discontented with my messy life?” January is all about making resolutions to change. My list is long: I want. . . I wish. . . I will. . .
Ann Voskamp has written, “You can have joy any moment you turn hidden greed for more into honest gratitude for now.” Hidden Greed! Perhaps, that’s my problem. I don’t want more things—I want more joy. And the secret of joy is gratitude for now. My cheeks redden with embarrassment. How had I strayed from my habit of gratitude? I realize that dissatisfaction has made a home in my heart. Discontent is sneaky. It’s sly. It had slipped into my consciousness and was destroying my joy—one negative thought at a time. The devil roams seeking to steal, kill, and destroy joy. And my greed has opened the window for unhappiness.
I pause and give thanks for today; today with all its messiness. One thought—one line at a time—I write in my gratitude journal and contentment surfaces. I’m still on my spiritual journey. Learning. Growing. Practicing. One day at a time, with each step, I’m learning to be live joyfully.
Linda
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