Friday, February 26, 2010

Cheerfulness is a Choice

The weather here has been dismal.
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Grey has been the prevelent color for weeks. The snow is mottled grey, the trees are dark grey, the mountains are blue-grey, the sky is pale grey and the streets are always grey. Our moods tend to turn a bit grey as well.
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Such drab surroundings make it hard to see the beauty in ordinary things. At this point in winter, people tend to forget that in just a month we will be seeing robins, new green sprigs of grass, crocus and maybe even some blossoms on trees. We will be hearing bird song and that great metallic ping as aspiring little league players dust off their bats and begin to practice. And, oh, that terrific spring smell carried in on a warm breeze. The sun will shine again and coax us out into its warm embrace.
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This time of year the novelty of winter has passed. Most people (myself included) are irritable and unhappy from looking at the same landscape day in and day out. We crave a change. We dream of taking off to warmer climes. We hope for the day when we look out our door and see bright blue skies. We put off our happiness until a day comes that makes us happy.
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Cheerfulness is a choice. Joy is best when it comes from within. Happiness is only temporary if we wait for something to come along and make us happy. We need to claim it for ourselves and hold on to it with both hands - no matter what is going on around us.
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This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
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Rejoice! It can cover up the grey!
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Have a blessed day, everyone!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I needed this, thank you, April! You're right, we need to remember that "This is the day that the Lord has made" and God don't make no junk! PTL!

Susannah said...

So true, April. A wonderful post! I find that smiling helps too... when I break into a grin and I instantly feel better. :~D

Fortunately, the pink cherry blossoms are bursting out all over. Grey is passing from my view...

Have a cheerful weekend!