searching for joy

I do not want to be a grouchy old woman
but I can see how it could happen.
I do not want to be discontent
but I am aware that it would be easy to go there.
I do not want to be unhappy
but circumstances can certainly make that an easy choice.
I do not want to live in the past, 
because that is not realistic or healthy.
I do not want to be continually looking over my shoulder
because I would run into things and miss what is in front of me.

So,
daily,
well most days,
I choose to acknowledge my weaknesses,
I choose to look for things to be thankful for,
I choose to count my blessings,
I choose to trust the One who is faithful,
I choose to hope in what I cannot see,
I choose to accept peace, especially amidst the storms,
I choose to remember I am loved lavishly,
I choose to search for the joy in this journey.


How can I make those choices?
There is only one way.
I choose to live life in Christ who makes it possible.
Some days it takes a little more time,
a little more effort and concentration, but it is always worth it.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. 

Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, 

just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, 

and that your joy may be full." 

John 15:9-11