Release the joy...
We can get lost in deprivation mentality and stay focused on our expectations of what we think ‘should have been’ OR we can be grateful for ‘what was' and 'what is' and 'what can be.’ The first brings oppression, confusion, and self pity; the latter brings peace and joy.
The choice is ours.
Focusing on the expectations may sound something like this:
“It’s not fair… We were supposed to… We should have had more time… I deserve better… I wish he was still here… I want him back... We were robbed out of...”
Focusing on gratitude sounds more like this:
“I am blessed even in my pain... We were blessed… Thank you for every moment we had… I’m so grateful for the years we shared… Some don’t get any of the love we shared… I am so grateful for the gift of my husband… I know I still have a purpose… Thank you, Jesus.”
When we focus on wishing and wanting what we know can never be, we feel deprivation, lack, even physically ill. However, when we accept the reality of ‘what is’ and focus on gratitude for what was and is and is to come, our joy is released.
My prayer for you is that you will ask the Lord to help you shift your mindset. That you will ask Him to help you exchange your expectations for gratitude and release the joy in your spirit that He so desperately wants to provide.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Many Blessings!
— Robyn Alsip Arce, © 2022
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Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.