It’s 4:50am and my morning prayer is already lifted up and I am up out of bed trying to convince myself that I need to go workout. I lose the argument, succumbing to the queasy rumble in my stomach and the allergy-induced throb in my face. Sixty more minutes of rest and it is time to take the dogs out for their morning relief. It is still dark and it is raining, really raining. Since we moved to the condominimum it has been my privilege to accompany our golden retriever and peek-a-poo outside every morning and then to pick up and dispose of what they leave behind. I am so glad it isn’t cold yet and that God made me a “morning person.”

On mornings/days/weeks like these I feel so justified as I get wrapped up in my life, making a picture in my mind of a life far more significant than any real reason could justify.

Francis Chan wrote the following in Crazy Love,

When I am consumed by my problems—stressed out about my life, my family, and my job—I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God’s command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a “right” to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities. (pg. 41)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:4-6, NLT)

Plastic bag out…hand full of unmentionables…open the trash bin…in goes my attitude.

For the sake of joy, and re-joy!