Three-year-old Caleb awoke from his night's sleep and began to complain.
Impulsively, I threw open my arms and said, "We are happy!"
The next second, literally, he shouted the same thing with zeal.
Could it be that easy?
Remember God is holding the paint can of free will (see Aug 2nd post) into which we dip the paintbrush of decision. Our day will be colored with the paint strokes we choose--stubborn, angry, indifferent, passive, aggressive, joyful, contented, happy.
At the end of the day, that painting moves into our gallery of days done.
Are our art galleries cheerful places to visit? Would God want to visit?
Does he want to remember how we have characterized our days done?
Can we paint happy even without a lot of reasons to express it?
Is happy a choice?
I'm guessing it is a choice color, at least in God's eyes. He knows our troubles. I wonder if he isn't looking for us to paint happy just because we realize we are fearfully and wonderfully made by someone who exquisitely loves us.
My son-in-law, when asked by my daughter how he feels about a situation that is perhaps not so cheerful, he chooses wisely, "Just happy to be in the game, Coach." I'm thinking God would be happy to hear that as well.
That free will paint can is tricky. We have to dip carefully and consistently into just the right spot to find the color happy.
Happy painting!
Thanks, Caleb, for reminding me it can be so easy.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
