I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:11 New International Version (NIV)

Joy. It is one of those things that everyone seems to be looking for, and yet, at times, it can seem so hard to find. We can choose joy even in the moments of our greatest suffering, if we remember that our moments of suffering here on earth are for a moment, but our victory with Jesus is forever.

I have learned many things in my walk with Christ since losing our son, Cale. One of the most important lessons He has taught me is that it is ok to feel joy, even when my heart is breaking. I find my greatest joy in knowing that Cale is with Jesus. People have asked me, “How can you smile after everything that you have been through?” And my answer is simple, “Jesus.” Some days are definitely harder than others (today is Cale’s birthday, he is celebrating with Jesus, Happy Birthday my precious son.) I am not going to pretend that all of my days are perfect, because they are not. I am a sinner and I can get caught up in the “why me, why my son?” moments. As followers of Jesus, we do not have to stay in the darkness. The loss is always there, and I could choose to spend my days mourning, miserable, bitter and angry, but that is not really living. I could choose to run after all kinds of earthly things looking for joy and still never find it. Our joy, our peace, and our lives are found in Jesus.

Today, I encourage you to find JOY in all you do. It is a choice that we make. Speak these words out loud until in your heart you know you will choose Joy!

Regardless of what I am going through, Jesus, I choose you! And regardless of what today might bring, Jesus, I’m keeping my eyes on you. And regardless of what I’m walking through, even through this, Jesus I choose joy.

Friends, we do not know the number of days that we will have here on earth. We do not know when we will celebrate our birthdays with Jesus. So let’s spend today sharing the love and joy of Jesus with others! Be Blessed, Jaci