I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart... (Psalm 111:1)

I am currently reading a book about the role of joy, humor, and laughter in the faith and the author speaks about how we can find joy in our daily lives as Christians.  He talks about joy not coming from the happy events that happen TO us, but joy coming FROM us when our minds and perspective are focused on the LORD.  He says that joy comes from an “attitude of gratitude.”  When we focus on the blessings we have, we will still be joyful even in the difficult times we encounter.  It’s no secret that locally and at a national level there are some tough situations ahead, but if we can still be thankful for what the LORD has given us, we can still find peace and joy in our lives.  If we are always trying to “keep up with the Jones’s” instead of being grateful and thankful for what we have, we won’t find peace and joy, but we will be envious and restless.  If we’re too busy trying to find the “popular” group instead of appreciating the friends we have, we may wake up one day and find we’ve been left behind by everyone.  Give thanks to the LORD with all your heart, my sisters and brothers in Christ, and joy will be found when your realize all the goodness the LORD has done for you!  Amen!