Monday; December 1

It seems like when I was younger and I would complain that I was upset, the advice I got from my household was, “well, get happy”.  On first blush, this appears to be unfeeling, but I believe that the older I get, the more I appreciate what I was being taught.  For the most part, I am the one who got to choose my attitude, so I could choose to be happy or upset.  I was the one who applied emotion to my situation, so it was up to me to make the most of the moment. 

When I look back on my life, I realize just how true this is.  I can choose to be grumpy, or I can choose to rejoice.  I can let things get me down or I can overcome the events (and emotions) of the day and be positive.  Interestingly, this is not just a lesson in emotional health, it also has a spiritual nature to it.  Centuries ago, the people of God were encouraged, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). 

How is your Monday going?  How is your first day back to reality after an extra-long weekend?  Before we complain about how tough the day is, let’s remember that we are the ones who apply meaning to it.  Are we happy or unhappy – for the most part, the choice is up to us.

Think About It!


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