Choosing Joy

Where to begin....maybe just some random thoughts.

I'm 68.  I'm a young 68, if ya know what I mean. I walk each day for exercise and love it. I have my own business, and love it too. And we have most of our family living close to us. So grateful.

I am married to a wonderful man of 71.   (I choose for him to be a young 71, but sometimes he feels old.)
We have aches and pains...too many, for being so young, but we have generally good health. And we thank God every day for that.

We know a lot of people who are struggling with health issues.....Cancer, Alzheimers, bodies wearing down and giving out.
We have friends who have lost loved ones.....too young. Long illnesses, surgeries and a deteriorating life, or suddenly gone. 58 years old, healthy, then suddenly sick and die 13 weeks later.

Those losses, and the heartache of those left behind have been heavy on my heart. They weigh me down, sometimes to the point of becoming depressed if I am not careful.

I have to choose. Do I let them get me down, or somehow lift myself out of that pit and choose joy? It is very hard.

So, tho my heart is filled with tears for others who are suffering, I choose joy.

I choose to go out and enjoy the life and good health God has given me. Walk in the sunshine, do some fun things. Take days off from work....go for a drive, or walk by the river. Not big things, just little things that keep me connected with God and His creation.....
And I ask God for hope.....and for comfort for those who are suffering.

My prayer is that we will choose joy, and pray for the broken hearted.

Blessings, Barb