Over into Joy

“We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy.” – Colossians 1:11

Our cup runneth over.
But with what?

Option A: Complaint, angst, scarcity, selfishness, jealousy, cynicism, hopelessness.
Option B: Joy, delight, endurance, laughter, kindness, curiosity, generosity, abundance, empathy, faith, passion, love…
Option C: Both A and B

I would much rather spend time with the “B” group and be a full-fledged card-carrying “B” member. I often allow myself to fall into the “C” group and once in a while into the “A” group, wondering how to get back wholly into the “B” crowd and remain steady.

You know the “B” people when you see them. Glowing with joy and enthusiasm, they generously share their light with all, unconditionally. They have no less worries or problems than the rest of us, yet they choose “B,” even when they may not feel like it.

So rather than trodding along with your head hung low, suffering the self-imposed weight of the world merely getting through today with your teeth clenched to survive until Friday, choose Option B and accept the grace of God’s glory-strength that spills over into joy. Cast light.