Last weekend, I was listening to a Mosaic podcast (while lying in a hammock by the beach, having just scuba dived). I had just read a chapter of one of my text books and rewarded myself for doing so by listening to the aforementioned podcast.
In a lesson from a series on the beatitudes, Erwin McManus says, "Joy is not something you find when the circumstances change. It's something that changes the circumstances."
In the past 6 months, I've especially found this to be true. During my time of transition to a completely new world, I could find plenty to grumble about. But that won't change a thing. I'd just be unpleasant to be around.
Hence, I've chosen joy. And bit by bit, I've seen how God's used that to open my eyes to the blessings around me. And more and more, good things happen. Like the jobs I have, and the place I now live. And opportunities that come by that I embrace with both arms wide open. Such as the unexpected diving trip, to name but one of many fun opportunities I have chosen to embrace.
I was skimming some of my friends' blogs this evening, and I've noticed that just like me, my friends choose to look at challenges from a different perspective.
It's worth reading Marcia's experience trying to cook a meal the other night, or Jen's challenges in adjusting to a new life in Bukavu, Congo.
It's all a matter of perspective.
Michael J. Fox says it's a matter of looking up.
I agree.
I choose to look Up to the One who came to give us life in abundance.
You bet Adele. I have just had a surgery, and eventhough at times I thought to myself ¨when did they caught me to do this?¨ wanting to run away and return home, I decided to enjoy every minute of it, either catching up with a book, or simply talking to my inner me : ) Even the nurses said it was a pleasure to come and clean mu butt evry morning because I was always glowing joy : )
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