I have a stressful job. So do most others I know, but believe it or not, my stressful job affects me more than it effects others. Funny how that works. When I’m stressed, I tend to turn into an S.O.B. (Silly Old Bear — c’mon folks, this is a family blog!) Really, though, I get irritable and cranky.
I’m going to try to choose JOY. No, I’m not going on some existential journey to creating my own reality and purpose — but I’m going to try to avoid being a jerk. I choose to be happy.
So that begs the question, can a person choose to be happy, even in miserable situations? Well, ask my family in a week or so, and we’ll see how I’ve done. I’m pretty confident a person can change their mood if they try. Sometimes we act cranky because we want other people to be as miserable as we are. See, it’s not just me that’s a jerk — lots of folks do it. I’m going to try to stop though. We’ll see how it goes.
Yes I think that one can use JOY but only with the strength that we draw from Christ. A good example would be Paul who in the midst of imprisonment (which our jobs might feel that way sometimes but I do believe they pales in comparison). Paul says this:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:4-7)
Do we have to throw a party over everything that happens? No. But we do constantly have to die to ourselves, we must decrease so that He increases. I will do all I can to help you in choosing JOY 🙂 I love you!
You sound like my Hubby. He’s doing better every day. Hasn’t strangled an airline employee in like a month or so. Chin up, son! It gets easier.