Joy Is a Choice

Kerrie told of a friend who until ten years ago said she rarely experienced joy. Then one day she was stood up for a dinner at a very nice restaurant. After waiting for an exceptional amount of time, she ate alone and left, overwhelmed with anger.

Meanwhile, the friend she was supposed to meet waited the same amount of time and ate alone in a restaurant across town. They had agreed on the name of the restaurant but assumed the location. 

Later, they talked on the phone, and their conversation changed Kerrie's friend. The one lady thought that the miscommunication was hilarious. After an hour passed, she assumed the best of her friend and thought something important had detained her from meeting at the restaurant. She visited with a couple at the next table, ordered one of the house specials, and read. She enjoyed her evening and thought God gave her a divine opportunity to talk with people who needed encouragement and also gave her some needed time alone.

"Take things by the bright handle," my mother used to tell me. Taking things by the "bright handle" involves saying with the psalmist, "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps. 118:24).

Dear Jesus, I'm thankful that You can give a heart that chooses to be joyful.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).