I often smile on bad days. Some would say that’s fake, but I’m not plastic. Reality is, even on the worst of days, I feel joy in the deeper parts of me. Circumstance may cloud my mind, but it can’t erase my joy.
I’m thankful for people who make me smile on bad days. They aren’t asking for a mask, they are reminding me to keep digging; because buried beneath the hurt is honest joy, a joy stronger than me.
The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about bad days. He wrote the book on joy in his letter to the Philippians while being held prisoner in Rome. Joy in prison? What a poser…or maybe we still don’t get it. Our joy isn’t about us, it’s about Jesus.
We need to smile more. Not the artificial kind that suggests we’ve somehow lost touch with our emotions, but the kind that reflects real joy given by a real God.
Gal 5:23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.
So yeah, sometimes I smile on bad days, but I’m not plastic. Joy comes from a place that is deeper than my circumstance. Real joy is stronger than me.
Praying for you this week, that you will know real joy.
Join this conversation:
What are some things that keep you from knowing joy?
shelaughsblog 
Shaena, You nailed it!!!… I knew I wasnt Fake!! hahahhaah
I love the joy you bring Diana!
Shaena, perfect timing. Amara (my granddaughter) starts kindergarten today. My heart is telling me that I should be sad–that she’s not so little any more–that she’s going to learn things and experience things that I would want to shield her from–I should be worried. But there is this quiet peace that comforts me and tells me, “Don’t worry, I’ve got her in the palm of MY hand. I love her more even than you do.” And the joy takes hold of my heart and I love HIM so much! Thank You LORD!
Praying for you today Teresa!