My favorite author, Andy Andrews says we are all either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis or heading into a crisis.

Think about it. Think about your own life or the lives of all the people closest to you. It’s true isn’t it?  Knowing it doesn’t change it. But knowledge is power. Knowing your life will be in an almost perpetual state of crisis gives you some options. Deal with it. Complain about it. Ignore it. Enjoy it.

I’m sure you can think of other options. These are the first to come to mind.

Why, in the middle of a crisis do we feel the need to tell everybody about it?  Does it help to ease the pain? Do we think someone somewhere will have answers to ease our suffering if we just tell enough people? Maybe it’s just become a habit.

Lately, I’ve been convicted that JOY is the answer. No matter the circumstance, if you look hard enough, there is always joy. If you’ve been a chronic complainer, this may take quite a bit of practice. It’s not natural. Like exercise, it will take consistent effort. Eventually, it will become second nature.

For me, it has become a personal challenge. I almost DARE something to happen in my life so I can find joy in it.

Josiah was just in the hospital for 5 days. What a joy that friendly, compassionate professionals who are much more knowledgeable than I, gathered at his bedside often, to consult on his care.

I have a strange skin rash spreading down my fingers and across my hand. It itches and burns. My skin is peeling. What a joy Rick was able to stay by Josiah’s side in the hospital so I could get to see a dermatologist. What a joy she immediately knew what it was. What a joy medication is helping to treat it and ease the discomfort.

I woke up with my eye almost completely swollen shut yesterday morning. What a joy an Urgicare was open on Sunday and the Dr. was able to diagnose pink eye right away. What a joy eye drops to treat it were only $.87 and relief is eminent. What a joy only one eye is affected.

Rick woke up with pink eye this morning. What a joy that his employer offers free medical attention to employees. What a joy he will be getting relief very quickly as well.

See how it works? Try it.  Think of something you ordinarily find frustrating. Focus on it for a few minutes. Now, FIND joy in it. Go ahead. It’s there, just waiting for you to notice.

God is good all the time. Let’s rejoice in His provision.