Choose Joy

"I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation" -- Philippians 4:12-13

I walked into my friend's house who I agreed to stay at while she and her husband were on vacation. They needed someone to watch the house and take care of their dog and I wanted to help them out by doing that. I've always appreciated being able to go to my own room when I get home and crawling into my own bed after a long day, especially in this season. However, I wanted to help my friends out and with Christmas coming it's hard to turn down a little extra cash.

The days were getting shorter, the temperature was getting colder, and if I'm honest, some of the major things in my life had turned bitter. I was tired of feeling stuck and feeling like everyone else around me was receiving everything they wanted at the snap of their fingers.

The Bible says to not envy or look over the fence at what your neighbor has, so I predominantly got off social media (best decision ever) but to truly not be tempted to ask, "why her, God?" I'd need to go to one of those isolation cabins in the woods with no internet and no people... not very practical.

In my friend's kitchen stood a whole coffee station with the tools to have any coffee drink you could think of, and amongst the elaborate machines was a beautiful mug that said, "choose joy."

I don't know why the word "joy" has stood out to me so much lately when, if I'm being selfishly honest, joy has not come very easily lately. However, if something so contrasting is standing out, I know there is a reason to pay attention to it. God speaks in different ways.

I feel terrible about lacking joy because I don't have to look overseas to prove to myself that I have been blessed with more than I need. Yet, when I wake up on these cold, dark mornings, despair tries to keep me in bed. I like to go on walks to think about concepts in my head, and the concept of choosing joy has been the latest one.

I know that because the Holy Spirit lives in me, and the sun came up today, I have purpose today and there is joy- I just need to find it.

It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:12-13, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

When the biggest elements of life feel like they lack joy, it's important to focus on the smaller joys intermixed or approaching, this is very important to do (unless you live and breathe for winter). So where is joy?

• Joy is found in waking up before the sun to watch it rise.

• Joy is found in fuzzy slippers and a cozy robe

• Joy is found in a warm cup of coffee

• Joy is found in the leaves changing colors in autumn

• Joy is found in fresh air

• Joy is found in the quiet

• Joy is found in a good book

• Joy is found in a light-hearted movie

• Joy is found in an afternoon walk

• Joy is found in a healthy breakfast

• Joy is found in fresh flowers

• Joy is found in lighting a candle

• Joy is found in my family

• Joy is found in good friends

• Joy is found in a bowl of soup

• Joy is found in my favorite pair of overalls

• Joy is found in a good night's rest

• Joy is found in taking photos of landscape and architecture

• Joy is found in Jesus and God's Word

These are some of the things that bring me joy when life tries to diminish it. Maybe things will change someday, but life's too short and sweet to let bitterness take away from the joy of life and the simple joys found within it. If you can relate to any of these feelings, I encourage you to notice and make a list of the things that bring you joy :)