Rejoice Always...

My hubby and I strive to teach character traits to our children.   We feel it is just as important, if not more important, then academics.  We decided this school year we would focus on a different character trait every month or so.  Throughout the month of August we focused on JOY! 

One of the things I've enjoyed most this month is hearing my 3 year old memorize scripture =)  Our Bible verse for JOY was "Rejoice Always" (1 Thess. 5:16).  Although it is a very short verse it was priceless to hear her say "Rejoice Always" when we would ask her what the Bible says about JOY. 

It was just amazing to read  some of the Bible stories regarding JOY.  The story that really spoke to me was the one about  Paul and Silas.  How they were thrown into prison and bound in stocks as though they were very dangerous.  What did they do?  Complain?  Whine?  Curse?  NO!  "Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God." (Acts 16:25)  What a lesson here.  I find it so easy to complain over much less grave circumstances.  I'm thankful that God gave us this example to learn from.

We also learned  how some animals can teach us about JOY.  We studied the chickadee and how even in the depths of winter, the chickadee still sings its cheerful song.  Definitely a good example of "rejoicing always" and not letting our environment or circumstances get us down.

Studying JOY has been an eye-opening experience to me.  I find it so easy to complain about things when they aren't going smooth/perfect.  Selfishness, I know.  The Lord is teaching me much in this area.  I'm currently suffering from extreme arm itching, sciatic nerve pain, and gestational diabetes.  Some days I feel like crying about all this .... I don't want to lose sleep from the itching, I want to get out of bed without my back side hurting, and I really don't want to poke myself 4 times a day and watch every bit of food that goes in my mouth for about 9 more weeks.  But, the Lord is working on me.  I'm trying to be JOYFUL even in these things.  Am I always?  NO.  But when I think of Paul and Silas still singing praises to God in their situation, I can't help but be thankful for even these things.  After all, who wouldn't put up with a few months of itching arms, a painful backside, and poking fingers for the GIFT OF LIFE?  Rejoice Always?  I'm working on it ... it's a work in progress!  

"Rejoice always."  1 Thessalonians 5:16