I received a bad report from my Dr.: my best friend just died; I am overdrawn at the bank; I feel lousy.

It’s not always chin up and be in good spirits.  We live in a fallen and broken world in which joy can easily elude us.  Our minds, bodies and souls are at war with the chaos around us.  We all struggle to hold onto joy as we move through our days. 

Remember the old hymn about counting your blessings?   “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will remind you of what the Lord has done. “

Sometimes, we must press the pause button ….., slow down, and declutter the spaces in our lives to see the simple blessings we’ve been given.  We must mindfully direct our hearts, souls, and bodies toward the good and beautiful around us, to push back the cloudy shadows of the darkness that cover our eyes. 

We are told to live intentionally.  How is that done?  Start with the little blessings.  The sky is blue, the postman brought a new magazine; I got a message from an old friend; my kids just sent a picture, I hear a bird singing, that first cup of coffee in the morning!

Each item is so simple, but they are each packed with promise and joy to make each day meaningful. 

Many times, we are simply overwhelmed with life. We must step back, pause, say a prayer, be aware of small blessings; then move on.

Investing in my own wellbeing becomes a part of investing in family, friends, faith and the future.

Joyful living takes nothing for granted and aspires us to see the One who made it all and give Hm thanks for all He has done.

                                               Now that is Joyful.