Choose joy
Shame on me.
I have been so focused on what I don’t have, I have forgotten what I do.
I spoke to a woman who lost her son in a tragic accident 15 years ago, and through tearful eyes she said, “I’m so thankful for the 22 years I had with him.”
There was no regret, only celebration of his life. She wasn’t focused on what she lost, only what his life added to her life.
It’s accepting what is, instead of wanting what isn’t. It’s trying your best without wishing for more.
“If you’re constantly thinking your happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are.”
Friendly Reminders: Lessons from a Self-Care Savage, Scott Tatum
Life has a tendency to seep over us like an ink stain. It ruins us, wears us down, steals our smile and strips us of joy that is all around us.
It is a remarkable person who can suffer such loss and rejoice.
It is a remarkable person who keeps getting beat down and keeps getting back up.
“Happiness is a state of mind and a personal experience. It is not something that can be found externally, but rather something that can be cultivated within yourself. It is not something you decide to do tomorrow or in some distant future. It is something you do constantly in the little present moments.”
Friendly Reminders: Lessons from a Self-Care Savage, Scott Tatum
The world is full of remarkable people who don’t give up and don’t give in, who look for the silver lining in a sky of black thunderclouds, who get up each day and say “Today is going to be better,” even if yesterday was horrible.
Shame on me for forgetting just how good the Lord has been to me.
As for the rest of life, I’ll just keep believing there’s a silver lining right behind this storm cloud and be thankful for what matters most.
© Judy Mae Bingman
I know that many of you reading this right now are struggling. You read these words and wonder how I looked right into your heart.
I know your story because you are not alone. Any problem looks unconquerable when you feel you’re fighting it alone. But you are not alone.
No matter how bad it feels, there is something good in it. Search for it. Find it. And when you find it, rejoice in it.
I believe in you.
Get a book from my personal library
Friendly Reminders: Lessons from a Self-Care Savage by Scott Tatum (There is also a Kindle version, but I LOVE the hardcover book and leave it on my table to pick up when I need a pick-me-up.) On my wish list is the Spiral-bound version.