“When economy sours, Tootsie Rolls soothe the soul,” was how the article from March 24, New York Times read. (An adorable picture of Memphian, Piper Gray, who’s in Manhattan on a journalism internship, accompanied the article.) I’m not so sure about that, I think, as I sit typing & munching on chocolate that Michèle brought me from Germany. I’m not a Tootsie roll fan but I so love my chocolate. Sweets can be one of those quick and temporary, and sometimes seemingly necessary fixes to lift our spirits and offer relief. This I “get” because my sweet tooth is often first in line for a “treat” when I’m feeling down----though the relief is temporary and my muffin top is more permanent. I have a friend who keeps Snickers in her freezer for such times. (I know because I’ve shared them with her. That’s what friends are for---right?)
My “down” times usually are a result of “fretting.” Fretting and worrying, as I said yesterday, are the opposites of joy. This worrying can make the “pleasant present” absolutely miserable---until we choose to change our focus. Regrets can do much the same to our psyche. Again, we need to refocus. In most instances much of what we worry about never comes to pass and those regrets that tie us are past issues, in most cases now out of our hands, so we should just leave them there, in the past. These blur our joy. So, do as Michèle has taught me---focus on what you know. Here’s what I know about joy.
- Laughter feels good so I rejoice in having a hubby who makes me laugh.
- Having fun can release me from the bondage of worry so I’m looking forward to a week in Florida with the entire family. Worries are not to be packed and taken with me.
- I enjoy the abunDANCE of grandsons in my life.
- Delighting in the Lord allows him to problem-solve for me.
- Pain is inevitable. Misery is optional.
- German chocolate is tasty and okay to eat for the “right” reasons.
- God is the source of all joy.
- Joy is more about Whose I am than who I am or what I have.
- “Joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
- Aligning my life with His will for me gives me great joy.
- Knowing Him, therein lies my joy.
- His joy is eternal.
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)
The more focused I am on what/Who brings me joy, the less I’ll need the chocolate that gives me the 30-60 second lift/boost of spirit and often the miserable after feeling or the urge for more empty calories. Today I know real joy---SWEET!!
As I read over the list it almost sounds "pat" or rote like those e-mails I receive. This is my way of helping me refocus today---sometimes just reciting scripture helps me do that. Often I need all the help I can get because for me refocusing can be down right hard.
