Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
This past year yanked the joy out of me. But I like joy and laughter and hope better than crankiness and irritability. What would it take for me to wake up and feel a sense of expectation of what the day holds instead of dread at the thought of what is required of me? What would it take to turn my heart inside out, empty it of the sadness, and fill it with hope?
I know that some of my sadness comes from losing a dear friend recently. But I also know that some of it comes from choosing to focus on the hard things in life instead of choosing to see the beauty that each day holds.
So I have decided I am going to change. Because I am the only one who can do that. This is my old to-do list:
1. Do the laundry.
2. Pick up the house.
3. Finish the bills.
4. Clean out the shed.
No wonder I am sad.
This is my new list.
1. Listen to a good song.
2. Write a love note to my boys.
3. Dance for ten minutes.
4. Go for a walk.
5. Have coffee with a friend.
6. Sit in the sun and read Psalm 139.
I may still have to fold laundry, but between dancing and reading about how I was formed with love and a purpose seems to make it better. I am on a mission to be joyful. I am asking Jesus to reshape how I think–to transform me by the renewing of my mind. I am on a path toward seeing life differently and embracing that loveliness that is already surrounding me. Feel free to join me!
Faith step: Write a new joy-full to-do list for yourself. Ask Jesus to help transform the way you think.
