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Every afternoon I sit outside and watch or should I say observe my children play. It is in these moments that I am reminded of so many simple truths. Today was no different.While watching two of my boys playing together I noted that my poor little girl was saddened by this. Not because they were being mean to her. But because she felt she was being excluded from all the fun. All throughout the morning, she had been happy and full of joy. But not now. Even with all the other items that she could do outside this one thing was really bringing her spirits down. She was allowing this moment to ruin her whole day.How many times when something doesn’t go my way do I allow it to steal my joy? One bad situation I am sad to say has been known to ruin my whole day. Even more importantly how often do I let other people steal my joy? If you were to ask my husband he would say this happens a lot.
Stolen Joy
- In the grand scheme of things though those people who we allow to steal our joy walk away being unaffected: If you are like me those people do not even realize they have done this because I keep my mouth tight lipped unless I am seeking counsel from my husband. ( Yes that poor man is the keeper of all my many secrets). The fact is that they walk away unharmed while we are sad and miserable. Our joy should never be in a person’s hands. It is better not to dwell on those moments or events. Dwelling leads to festering. Festering leads to anger. Anger leads to resentment. Instead, we need to look for that silver lining. At first, it may be hard and a bit difficult. And yet the more we practice the easier it becomes. It also becomes a way for us to grow.
- We can not avoid situations that will steal our joy (not always anyway) but we can turn that event into a positive remembering that though we may not understand why a situation is happening it doesn’t mean that God isn’t working in the situation and striving to mold us in some way or another: God is always working for our good. Our hard times can be a great tool for God to lead another individual to Him. Difficult situations that should steal our joy can be less traumatic when we chose to look toward God and not down in self-pity.
- Learn to steer clear of those who strive to steal your joy if you must: Negative people are everywhere so avoidance isn’t always possible. However, we do not have to choose to constantly subject ourselves to people who make it their purpose to steal our joy.
Life on Earth is too short to allow others or events to steal our joy. And we do hold the power to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Until Next Time Just Keep Soaring 4 Him,
You’re absolutely right. It’s so easy to let one bump or one mistake ruin a day.
I just love how you’re so insightful! Me in my mess would had just said, “Hey chicka, get out of your funk!” Not helpful… or inspiring to anyone.