Let it be Jesus

Happy Thanksgiving to ya!

Ya'll let's be real...Holidays can be tough. There's just so many things that are wrapped up in the gathering of family and friends that can be and is supposed to be so wonderful, but can often be tainted by comparison, unforgiveness, expectations, missed loved ones, and, lest we forget, the long-lasting affects of divorce. Certainly, at least one of those hits home for you. But let's simplify it as much as possible...

As a young girl, if or when, I would wake up cranky and a little not ready for the world, my mom would jokingly say, "Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Really, it's the last thing you want- to be called out for your grumpiness before your eyes could even focus clearly. I understood what she was saying, but really, as if rolling out on the other side of bed would change things. It wouldn't, but a shift in my attitude would.

So, if you're reading this and your feet haven't even hit the floor yet, choose. You get the choice of how you are going to respond to the day, of how you're going to respond to what comes your way; the burnt pumpkin pie, the crooked look from your in-laws, the not-so-missed sibling, you know whatever might come in to make your "Happy Thanksgiving" not so happy. And in your response, in your choice, you're pre-deciding who you are going to serve throughout your day. Let it be Jesus.

In Joshua 24, Joshua assembles the tribes of Israel together and he reminds them of everything the Lord has done on their behalf. He reminds them of where and of whom He has brought them from. He brings to the forefront of their minds all that the Lord has accomplished on their behalf. These are not slight things; the promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations and the fulfillment of that promise, the land that was provided to him and his descendants, the bringing them out as afflicted sons and daughters under the rule of Pharaoh to freedom, the parting of the Red Sea, blessings instead of curses, deliverance from enemies, and the granting of much territory they neither worked for, built upon, nor planted, yet received bounty. Joshua then looks to the people and challenges them to fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness and to throw away all false gods, but he leaves the choice to them saying, "Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers or the Lord...but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord."

Start your day today, and everyday, remembering everything with a grateful heart that the Lord has delivered you from, provided for you, those who have come before you, those that come after, the option to be free from the bondage of sin, the freedom to worship in a free land, blessings instead of curses, deliverance, and the bounty of which you have been blessed. Then, choose who you will serve today. Your attitude will be evidence of it.

Recently there was a time in my home that many of it's inhabitants were waking up "on the wrong side of the bed" and because of it the following became our morning "mantra" so to speak, a little reminder of the choice we want to make daily. I hope it helps.

Today, I choose Happy:)

I will love. I will be kind, gentle, peaceful, and good in my thoughts and my actions.

I will be understanding, giving, compassionate, and selfless, because I choose to be thankful in all things. I will remember who I am in Christ, who He is in me, and that He has a plan and a purpose for me today and everyday. Today, I choose to trust Him and every word that proceeds out of His mouth because He is good, His love for me is great, His mercies are new every morning and He is enough. I will remember that I am His, I am chosen for such a time as this, and He is with me. Today, I choose to be a vessel for the Lord to live through as He sees fit. Today, I choose joy. Today, I choose love and love's name is Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.