I have started the 100 happy days challenge! I started it because I get extra credit in one of my classes for doing so, but I am excited because it will make me think of all the reasons I have to rejoice.
This summer, I spent a month in Zambia serving for a non profit organization called Arise Africa. One of my goals as I left was to daily choose to rejoice and be content, and not to dwell on the yucky things that come up. I realized that I can't choose my circumstances, but I CAN and do choose to either dwell on the bad or the good. Both are always present, and so many of us, including me, choose to dwell on the bad and ignore the good.
The thing that separates me from the rest of the (unsaved) world is that no matter how bad things get, the good always FAR outweighs the bad because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ. I want to focus on the little things in life that bring me happiness, but I most want to make a habit of remembering the one thing that gives me true joy. Jesus is my one source of true hope and peace.
I know that is true without a doubt in my mind, but lately it has not been a reality in my heart. I have been like the Pharisees who Jesus described as beautiful coffee mugs... full of moldy week old coffee (more or less). Apathy and discipline have been my biggest enemies. Pretty sucky combo.
Insert Bible passage and inspiring commentary with an action plan here cause I don't have one today. But I am grateful for a God who loves us when we don't love him.
I am actually relatively content with my temporary discontentment toward my relationship with God. I pray it gets me out of bed, into the Word, and wrestling with my doubts well. These times are necessary for all believers and I welcome it, because I am sure that my faith will be more solid than before. Now I just have to care a little more than I do right now. Until then, I'll continue to dwell on the happy things in life.
