Choose Joy

I woke up early this morning, long before my guys. There was much to be done. I had fallen asleep in my clothes from the day before with my hair untwisted and face unwashed (I hate when that happens but it seems more and more like the norm these days!)

I slipped quietly out of bed and began prepping for the day, but I couldn't help but smile at Lincoln sleeping peacefully, snuggling up to a pillow in my absence. In that moment I remembered just how blessed I am. Lincoln is a healthy baby, and happy at that. He has no learning disabilities, no handicaps that we know of - for all intents and purposes he's perfectly normal.

Thank You, Lord for Lincoln, I whispered, smiling to myself. 

Next, I noticed my husband, sprawled out across the bed, still in his yesterday clothes too. He was the one who bathed Lincoln the night before and brought him in our bed early that morning when he called out for us from his crib. I stopped to think how amazing it is to have a husband who is actively involved in taking care of our son. He's right there beside me, just as tired and worn out most days, and just knowing we're in it together is comforting.

Thank You for Musa, Lord, I added quietly.

A look around our house revealed obvious imperfections - "stuff" everywhere, laundry for days, disorganized chaos. It may be a hazard zone, but this is our home. To think we own a home! I have so many friends who are praying for homes and God has given us one! 

Thank You, Lord, for this home.

By now I was pretty exhilarated. A simple attitude of gratefulness had my morning off to an awesome start. It was like a drug and I was on a high, determined to avoid all the things I normally complain about and instead focus on God's gifts.

I wish I could say my morning continued in blissful thankfulness, but that's not exactly true.

As is too often the case, I could find absolutely nothing to wear. I've put on a few pounds since starting my new job and my closet has become a constant reminder that I'm not where I should be!

Discouragement threatened to set in, but I prayed again, this time out of desperation: Lord, please help me find something to wear.

Almost immediately, a red top from years ago came to mind. Miraculously, it was clean and in my drawer where I could find it. It wasn't high fashion, but I felt pretty good in it, and that was good enough.

Thank You Lord, for picking my outfit today!

Right on cue, a Scripture came to mind. 1 Timothy 6:6 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 

Sometimes, like today, we have to fight for contentment - for joy even. But it's so worth the fight. There is blessing in choosing to focus on what's good and be satisfied with not only what God has given us, but also where He has placed us in life. I'm convicted for how much I complain and for how hard I strive to control everything around me. Right now, it's easy to see all the little things that aren't as they should be, but I know that one day, I'll look back on these years fondly and reflect on how sweet and precious this time is. Hindsight is always 20/20.

So why not enjoy it today? Why not be thankful today? As long as God is still on the throne (and He is by the way), everything is right in my world.

So today I chose joy. And it didn't disappoint :-)