Choosing joy often requires a change of mindset. Adults often reach for worry, anxiety, or concern before considering joy when faced with trials or challenges that life is sure to throw their way.
We are told to count it ALL joy, even the tough stuff.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. James 1:2
The question becomes, how to adopt a joyful mindset?
My granddaughter recently turned six years old. As I spent the day gathered with family on her birthday, I witnessed her joy multiple times. It was as if everything delighted her. She lived in the moment and enjoyed every minute of her big day.
No wonder Jesus told us that we need to convert our standard adult approach to life in order to become like children.
“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
You are the accumulation of every age you have been. Your six year old is still a part of you. I think we would be wise to tap into the child within to rediscover what brings us joy.
As adults we may have to work harder to bring moments of joy into our lives.
I suggest you ask your six year old self what brings you joy. Then go out and grab some. Honestly it is what brought me to The Groove Fitness Studio (see yesterday’s blog). Dancing has always brought me joy. By incorporating it in my life almost daily, I have upped my joy factor.
Ask yourself what will up your joy factor, then determine to incorporate it into your life.
Be like a child. Find delight and joy in your day.
“…we are the accumulation of every age we’ve been”!
So very true. This is also very helpful in understanding why we respond or react to certain stimuli the way we do. We are often reacting as the nine year old who was rejected or the twelve year old who wasn’t invited to the party. To try to get back to the root of all extreme childhood issues-both the good and bad seems to be crucial as we seek to mature in all things spiritually. Refuting the lies and exposing the truths are keys to allowing our minds to be renewed. Our gracious Father walks us through it all. That’s the true joy. Praise Him!
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