It's the response that counts

What kind of trials do you experience? Maybe it's an unhealthy habit that plagues you. Perhaps someone you know is dealing with an addiction and it's poisoning your relationship. Maybe it's unemployment or underemployment.  You might be dealing with chronically ill children or aging parents.  Maybe a loved one has hurt you deeply, or you are having a faith crisis, or you are moving  Maybe you face depression.  Maybe it's a trial of how to get your business going, and keep it going.  Maybe your hard trial for today is getting the laundry and dishes done, or making sure that all of the people that live in your house are fed, clothed and safely back in bed at the end of the day.

Whatever we face, whatever our challenge is, it's not really the challenge, or "the trial" that's the issue.  IT'S HOW WE RESPOND to the trial.  Do we meet each hurdle and obstacle with frustration, anger and resentment? Or, do we embrace it as an opportunity to learn, grow and an acknowledgement that we have been entrusted with the responsibility to see ourselves through to the other side of this hurdle?

Getting through these trial usually requires some sort of plan, right? How will I get that laundry done? When will I make dinner? How can I show my loved one that I care for them? How can I loose excess weight or tone and strengthen muscles?

If we respond to these trials with the attitude that we are stronger than we think, and that we can overcome; if we stay on "THE PLAN", there will come a day that we become what we are striving to become, and accomplish.  We are meant to have JOY in our lives.  There is a scripture I love that says "If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God...that your soul may be joyful." Focusing on joy brings peace into our lives. Focus on Joy.  It's the response that counts!

I learned this on accident, because I want to be joyful on purpose!