It's a choice

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.  Prov. 15:13 (NIV)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.  Psalm 94:19  (NIV)

 

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.   Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NIV)
 

"The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day."   -Chuck Swindoll
 

I sit in front of a desk most of the day, and because of that I am on Facebook prowling around quite a bit.  It's not necessarily an addiction, but it's something to do as I sit here waiting for the phone to ring when we don't have court.  While perusing Facebook, I have noticed that there are some people, of all ages, that are unhappy no matter what is going on in their life.

I do not lead a perfect life regardless of what others may see or think about me.  I don't try to pretend to lead a perfect life, but I have made the choice to be happy regardless of what life tosses at me.  I must admit I have never dealt with anything absolutely horrific or tragic so I understand that I cannot know the loss or sadness others have faced.  And really I'm not talking about extreme instances, instances of sudden death of a loved one or serious illness, I'm talking about the every-day stuff. 

I have noticed that one particular young person I'm friends with on Facebook (and in real life;) is always unhappy.  Very rarely do I see a positive post from her.  I have a feeling that she is desperately seeking attention of loved ones, but honestly, it's getting old.  I have tried giving her uplifting remarks, I've tried reaching out to her, but I'm kind of sick of it.  (Isn't that nice of me?)  I really want to comment, "You need to choose to be happy!"  And I suppose some day I just might.

I also have several adult friends who are the same way.  My goodness, if you're this negative on Facebook, how are you in your own home?  And maybe that an unfair assumption on my part.  Maybe they're using Facebook to vent instead of being negative around others, I don't know, but it sure brings me down when all they talk about is negativity. 

So much of life is attitude, perception, and the choice to be happy.  I'm not saying you have to be that she's-always-smiling-and-life-is-grand type of person that people want to slap, but choosing to be happy on a day where nothing is going right and looking for the positive in a situation will make a huge difference in how you walk away from that day/situation. 

Even at your lowest moment, there is something positive or joyful in your life.  Dig deep if you have to and find it.  If you have Jesus in your heart, you don't have to look very far.  If you don't, then maybe that's what is missing.  Choose to be happy.  It's contagious and it feels so good.