but it hurts.

I'm slowly learning the beauty and necessity in choosing joy.  It has been a lesson I've been learning off and on for the past year but recently it's become more real to me.  Jesus is not glorified in my choosing sadness.

Pain is real and it doesn't go away magically with my deliberate decision to smile and look for the positives in my situation, but it can be overcome.  That does not mean that we are to smile and pretend everything is dandy.  No, quite the opposite.  Not only is pain real, but it is also necessary for growth and maturity.  Allow yourself to hurt.  Cry.  Even be angry.  But do not allow yourself to park there.

Pain may be necessary, but it cannot control your life.  Sadness cannot become your lifestyle.  Let joy be your lifestyle.  Park there.  Live in the constant knowledge of Jesus' desperate love for you.  Overcome your sadness with an acknowledgement of the truth that NEVERTHELESS, He is still GOOD.  Live there and let that transform your attitude and lifestyle.  He is ready, able, and SO willing to change your life for the better.

Live in His love.  Live in His goodness.  Live in His constancy.  He is near.  He is here.  He is yours.