Choose Joy

How crazy is the world right now? 

There is so much uncertainty.

There is so much worry.

There is so much fear.

To say that I haven’t experienced all of those emotions would be a lie because I have. It has been a very trying time for me just like I know it has for everyone else. Not working and having to be “socially distant” is not my jam. It is a weird feeling trying to process everything that is going on because it almost seems like a dream, but unfortunately, it’s real life. I miss going to church, working and even something as simple as sitting in a coffee shop. These were all things that up until this point I unknowingly took for granted. That is something that I have been thinking a lot about this past week. The things that I thought were so mundane are the things I miss the most.

My life motto is to choose Joy. Joy is not a feeling or an emotion, but it is actually a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is something that is placed inside of us by God and it is eternal. All other feelings and emotions come and go based on what is going on in our lives, whether it is good or bad. However, Joy is not based on our circumstances. It is always there and it is something that you have to choose to walk in. Now, if I am being honest with you choosing Joy has not been easy for me lately and there have been several occasions where I just get stuck in my own head and let emotions weigh me down. Snapping myself out of that state isn’t always easy so what I decided to do is write down all the reasons I should choose joy, both big and small. Once I did that, it made me remember that there is a bright side to the time we are living in right now. Even though it feels like everything is falling apart and it can get kind of boring not being able to do anything it is a time where everyone is getting to slow down. Families are getting to spend more time together, people are worshiping and having church at home and we are all having to be more intentional with everything thing we do. Whether it is with your work, school or any relationships you have. 

Some of us have a lot more free time on our hands. Free time that we may never get back, which is something I didn’t think about until Aaron pointed out it to me. It is a good time to try new things and relax. Maybe cook, clean, read a book, paint some pictures, workout, practice good skin care or just binge an entire Netflix series! Honestly, the world is your oyster at this point. And if you start to get those quarantine blues take some time to remember things that bring you joy and write them down if you have to! Constantly remind yourself that your joy is not based on your circumstances and that even in all this uncertainty Jesus is still so good. 

I’m hoping whoever reads this feels even the slightest bit encouraged to choose Joy in this weird time. You are essential, loved and rooted for just in case you needed a little reminder.

As always, thank for reading 

~Em

p.s. here is my some of my quarantine activities!!