It's not an option... and it's certainly for your own good! Pursue JOY no matter the circumstances... you're better off with JOY than with sorrow...
Now here's a little background to why I was encouraging myself this morning (and last night) to be joyful:
"Special" is a word I often use to describe or refer to something when I don't have specific words to accurately describe it. Yesterday's assignment (the one I had fret over on Wednesday night but had calmed down by Thursday night), was one of those "special" experiences. The best thing about the assignment is that it's over, never to be repeated again--under my watch :). Even though a few questions in the assignment tripped me up and I made some mistakes, what's most important is that I quickly learned from my mistakes--one of those rare but relieving occasions when you just "get it" and move on!
When you learn the lessons, then you don't need to keep repeating the same mistakes... like lingering in the valley too long. Safe to say, I'm glad it's all over... no use replaying the questions and how I could've answered them better... because it's all done. We often go through the motions of "if only" but that doesn't help... if anything... it takes away your JOY! So I'm joyfully moving forward... not in denial that everything is perfect... but consciously aware that I can't change the past, and don't need to... I have learned my lesson. I will do better in the future. So, for today, I choose to be joyful.
JOY is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," (Galatians 5:22) So, as you dine with the Holy Spirit daily, you begin to experience JOY in-spite of whatever circumstances you find yourself in. It's very important to consciously choose JOY because it's very easy to lose joy in the midst of trials and frustrations. While you are human and go through various emotions daily, JOY should be a safe one to exude and also intentionally pursue!
Sometimes it helps to be around joyful people or to listen to some joyful music to encourage yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is the simple reflection on the goodness of God and the gratitude you feel brings JOY! Whatever you need to do... PURSUE JOY DAILY!
