Rejoicing!

I have discovered an amazing thing these past few days.  Rejoicing and singing praise music is an excellent way to to help me enjoy life!  Sheesh, I am sure I knew this, but why have I forgotten to practice it?  For the past few days I have been intentional about singing praises.  I put on some of my favourite music in the morning before I start my day.  I listen to it while I am working.  I put it on when I am at home working on the computer or crocheting or making my dinner.  And suddenly my perspective on things has started to shift.  Nothing around me has changed much.  I am still dealing with life - grown children, marriage, my own failures, other annoying people - but something in my spirit has 'lifted'.  I can feel it lifting more and more each day.  And I must say, I like this much better than how I was dealing with life before. 

Really, this shift in my thinking started almost 5 months ago when Robin and I connected with an amazing couple who are giving up their time and sharing their very real marriage miracle with us.  As they guide us and walk beside us and - yes! - even learn from us, something incredible is happening to me.  All the things I KNOW are starting to become the things I DO.  And after only 5 short months (and really, it seems ridiculous that it has been so short a time), the hard work is paying off and I can physically feel this shift taking place.

So, today I was overwhelmed with the blessings in my life.  I am finding I am more sensitive to the people around me - not only those I love and those who are in my life circle, but also for those I don't like very much and those that I only connect with for a brief moment.  I honestly never thought I could feel this kind of compassion or grace.  It's never been part of my 'natural' personality and has never been one of my 'gifts'.  I have always wanted to be more gracious and compassionate but my sense of 'me' usually gets in the way.  The more I rejoice, the more I am able to set myself aside. 

And the irony is that 'myself' is benefiting from it more than I could have ever dreamed.

'Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice!  Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable...think on these things.'  (paraphrase from Phil. 4:4, 8)