Joy

Joy. Happiness. Delight.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

I struggle with a lot of those - maybe I should strive for joy. 

I'm not the most positive person I know. In fact I'm pretty much known for being a misery! Well, hopefully not a misery, but definitely a fairly negative realist. I did one of those online quiz things recently and out of all the Mr Men (whom I love dearly!), I was Little Miss Sunshine. One of my very best friends laughed a lot, probably more than one. I'm not known for being a sunshine.

I should try though. 

I have so much to be happy about. I've just finished the literacy comments on my school reports for one! That's a biggie at this time of year. But also, I look at all the things I have. A happy, healthy, gorgeous family, an amazing bunch of friends, a job.....and almost a new job. Oh and I should say I'm pretty chuffed to only have 3 weeks left as a teacher.

So I should be more joyous. Exude more joy. Maybe that should be my challenge.

I certainly look at people around me who have so many more problems than me and they celebrate the joy in all kinds of things. One friend in particular who has far far more than her fair share of struggles, and yet she is very often positive, joyful, and always always rejoices in the Lord.

And looking at the fruits of the spirit, well....
 I definitely struggle with peace (I do have two small children after all!) 
Patience is something God has been trying to teach me....I am working on it,. 
Kindness.....sometimes! 
Goodness......um. 
Faithfulness I'm not bad. A faithful wife, mother and friend. Gentleness...again, um.
Self control.....not around chocolate certainly.

So ok, I'll try joy. Let's go!