I choose Joy

So I am in a bible study right now on Sunday nights and it's on the book of Daniel. Beth Moore is leading the study via video. She does a really good job actually. Last week during our homework, there was a phrase that caught my attention (and I can't remember what it was in reference to) but the phrase was, "I choose joy." So then during the bible study, my friend Tracy, who I am so thankful for, told me that she really liked that part of the homework. We talked briefly about it and then just moved on. Well, all week, Tracy has been saying to me, "I choose joy." At the beginning of the week, I would laugh and acknowledge it, because it would usually be after something annoying happened. But then, the more and more she said it and the more I heard it, I really thought about the power of my perspective. I can find something every single day to get upset about, because there will always be crappy things that happen. And I don't say that to be negative, I just say that as fact. So some days are going to present me with circumstances that I just can't stand. Now, ideally, I would like to committ that in ALL circumstances, I automatically say to myself, "I choose joy" and then just move on. But let's be honest, that is not always going to happen. Some things are going to be a big deal and require my attention and thoughts and stewing about it and talking to Cody about it and going on and on until it resolves in my mind. But what about the little things? The little moments that rub me the wrong way that make no difference for my life or day, they just annoy me.....what if I just started choosing joy? Choosing to let go of those little annoyances that can ruin a mood, a day, a conversation, and move on. And on that note....I don't think that joy is jumping around the room with bells on, it's a deep contentment and acceptance of what's going on. I think joy is your state of mind and knowing a realization that God holds you in his hands. So if that is the case....then I am going to try with the big things too. Choose joy. I am really bad about getting upset quickly and then making drastic statements that are really unncessary and most likely a lot on the rude side. I'll have to go back and look at the context of the homework to see what Beth Moore was talking about with choosing joy. But for now, it's my committment to be better at chilling out. I'm choosing joy.