Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, sometimes rereading things from long ago is most interesting. Take for example a remark like, "Do everything without complaining," a Bible verse from Phil 2:14.

We probably all know a few chronic complainers. They are impossible to help and never seem to be satisfied with whatever 'we' do to help them, but they won't let 'us' stop trying, so in the end 'we' feel trapped. We just need to make sure that WE are not the chronic complainer, as that gives us a reputation, then people will avoid us and we'll end up feeling lonely and unappreciated.

Attitudes don't just happen - "we" choose them.  In the Bible, Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:40 NKJV]. Being joyless, miserable, or feeling dejected is something many church folks may indulge in - but we must remember that the Bible also tells us, "This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." [Psalms 118:24NKJV]. We also notice that Paul did not add: "Yesterday was God's Day, how happy I was then."  Nor did Paul write, "Tomorrow will be God's Day, I'll endure until then."

We need to remember that today is a gift from You, Lord. Complaining is being self-centered; it's about what we like and don't like. Real joy/happiness is a choice which comes to those of us who devote ourselves to something greater than our own happiness. We get to make this decision every day, like what to eat, what to wear - and the attitude we project.

We know that Paul was in prison when he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always." His circumstances didn't dictate his joy, his focus did, and the same goes for each one of us. Always be joyful, happy, pleased, and mostly, never stop praying.

We know that is Your will for us - so today, we choose joy! Thank You Lord.

Love, Mara