Pity-Party

It's funny how God works.  He knows just what we need, exactly when we need it.  He continually shows us His grace, forgiveness and mercy and we continue, I continue, to forget; perhaps I should anticipate His surprises? 

Every once in a while, Carol, one of my co-workers and a very dear friend, will send me "Today's Gift" from Hazelden.  Carol is very smart, a self-starter, energetic, picks up the pieces when necessary, and she is a recovering addict.  (She wouldn't mind me telling you that.  Really, she wouldn't!)  I digress...

The last time Carol forwarded "Today's Gift" to me, it was so profound that I chose to sign up for the daily emails.  Keep in mind that these emails typically follow the 12-step template.  In an effort to not offend anybody, "a Higher Power" is used for the individual's spiritual god of choice.  In my case, there is only one God - and I know He works in mysterious ways!

Today's Gift from Hazelden was about choices - specifically, Misery.  I don't enjoy misery; I enjoy laughing with Jeff, watching the kids play soccer or do tumbling, singing, worshipping, spending time with the people I love.  And I have allowed Satan to sneak in and take away my joy.  NO MORE!!!
 
Below is Today's Gift from Hazelden for 10/12/2010:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Misery is optional.

We may have learned to be miserable, but we can choose to unlearn it. Though we can't control what happens to us, we can determine how we will interpret and react to what happens. We can moan about the things we don't like, using them as excuses for self-pity ("poor me"), or we can implement the Serenity Prayer, accepting what we can't change and changing what we can.

In the past, we often made ourselves miserable by over-doing things. Now, how often do we continue to invite misery by thinking we ought to be able to control other people? What part do unrealistic expectations play in the creation and continuation of our misery?

When we're hurting, we need to do something about it. A physical hurt may require a doctor; an emotional pain may call for a therapist or friend, and spiritual distress may indicate the need for more prayer and meditation, closer contact with a Higher Power (GOD). We can accept responsibility for our feelings, become willing to go to any lengths to get well, and choose not to be miserable.

Responding with misery is not on my list of options for today.

Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.

My pastor has been preaching on choices for as many years as I've known him.  It's funny how easily the choice to be miserable can creep in and take over - even when you don't really want it to!  Beginning in this moment, I will choose to be joyful!  God created me for His purpose, to spread His Word, to fellowship with Him, and to love others!!!  What is there not to be joyful about?
 
I hope my friends, family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and everyone else I've come in contact with will forgive me for choosing to be miserable.  I've thrown myself a three- or four-month pity party and it has ended.  (Disclaimer: I am still a moody woman with hormones that are out of whack!  You may have to remind me on occasion that I can choose to be happy! *smile*) 

I love you guys and I'm thankful that God placed you in my life - even when we don't see eye-to-eye.  Have a blessed and prosperous, joy-filled day!