Waking my kids every morning tends to be like playing the lottery [I don’t play the lottery–please don’t start that rumor-HA!]. I never know what is going to happen. They could wake up in any number of moods and, unfortunately, that determines how good or bad my day begins. Personally, I enjoy late nights but I move like a zombie for the first portion of the morning. I’ve always held the belief that waking up before 10am is infringing on Australian people’s time with God. Seems logical, right? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Anyway, we had endured crazy schedules in the days leading up to this moment. Both of our kids had awakened frustrated and in bad moods simply wanting to stay in bed. After a few arguments and tears (I might have shed a few, HA!) we were finally dressed and started walking outside to the car. My son made it out first. When I got outside I noticed he was standing by the car dancing as hard as he could. I laugh and asked, “What are you doing?” He responded smiling, “The birds are singin’- I gotta dance to duh music!!” That reaction was so different than the battle I had endured with him 15 minutes prior. From that moment forward he was happy as a lark as he was dropped off at his daycare. I drove back home with a smile on my face realizing something I hadn’t considered. My son had made a split second decision. We had endured a terrible start to our morning but something had clicked in his head on the way to the car. At some point he decided he was going to be happy.
Have you ever considered your mood to be a choice? That instance with my son gave me insight and forced me to check myself. I realized, when I’m in a bad mood I choose to stay that way. That choice makes me like the pig wallowing in a messy puddle of my own self-pity, negativity, and frustration. Granted, some things are uncontrollable. Life just happens. But in the midst of my ‘junk’ I can choose joy. Even in those times when the devil seems to be working overtime to make us miserable I’m learning to choose to confuse! In other words, our reactions to circumstances should confuse the devil and those around us. Rejoice in the midst of sorrow? Yep! Celebrate in the midst of frustration? Yep! Speak life when you’re surrounded by death? Yep! Let’s face it, negative attitudes benefit no one. James 1:2-3 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” We might even realize things aren’t as bad as we originally thought. Take your cue from my son. If you can’t think of any other way to respond— just, “dance to duh music!!”
Closing remarks and encouragement: I have no desire to minimize the struggles we endure. But my goal is to bring attention to the choices we have. On many occasions, our response can/will make the situation worse…..or better. Choose joy. Choose happiness. Choose life!
Have a blessed week, my friends!