Monday, January 5, 2009

Rejoicing in the Moment

Why is it that whenever I get good news, I’m afraid to enjoy it? I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. I become afraid that if I recognize the good news, I will jinx the matter and something bad will happen. That seems weird to me.

In fact, it seems stupid to me. I’m cheating myself out of many good moments. I don’t do it all the time. Still, it happens often enough that I am very aware of it. Life is hard enough without me cutting down the good times by my own efforts.

So what can I do? Pray, of course. But what do I say? Rejoicing is a natural part of the human spirit. Praising the Lord for the good he sends is natural, too. Many times, we have been told to rejoice. These thoughts alone help me. I know these concepts. The problem is I don’t always allow myself to think those thoughts when I get good news. I’m always afraid bad news will follow. I think it’s time that I stop this silly practice and enjoy the good that comes my way.

What started my thoughts on this path tonight is that a sick friend seemed to be having an unusually good day. I was afraid to shout it to our friends, afraid there would be a downturn immediately afterwards. Well, not tonight. Tonight I rejoice that, at least for this one day, she is having a good day. There. That felt good. I can at least rejoice in the moment - that’s what it’s all about - the moment.

Thank you, Lord, for the joyful part of our spirits!

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