One of the many things I am learning on my “detour” is that change, no matter if it is chosen by you or for you, should be viewed with gratitude and with eagerness to see what lies around the corner. As a woman of faith, I have been reminded in the Scriptures to “rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!”

Philippians 4:4 – “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Among the common misconceptions about someone’s being unemployed is that the person is perpetually sad, angry, or depressed. Do these things happen to people? You bet they do! But the wise individual will take every life event and learn from it. The wise individual will also be grateful. Grateful? For no income? For no employment? For no clue as to where to begin? Yes!

In fact, choosing gratitude is the only option for one who believes that God is in control and that He knows the big picture for both the present and the future! Now before you remind me that I am not always happy, remember that joy and happiness are two very different things. For me, happiness is the result of external circumstances (allowing for justifiable sadness and even sorrow), while joy/rejoicing comes from an internal choice to see my omnipotent God as the One Who loves, provides, cares, and leads. So I choose to rejoice! Joy can only be given away – never taken away – even by unemployment.

Yesterday afternoon I took time to read a little 30-page time-management book: TELL YOUR TIME, by Amy Lynn Andrews. It’s cheaper than a drive-through meal, and took less time to read than it would take to watch a television show. But it had an impact on me, so I’m listing it here as a “must-read” recommendation today. I won’t steal the author’s thunder by giving the awesome and practical guidelines for time management that she shares, but I will say that while I was doing one of the worksheets she recommended (listing my “nonnegotiable, fixed” schedule items), my gratitude increased.

What matters hasn’t changed! What I need to do, I CAN do. In the midst of hours and hours of researching, resume writing, job hunting, and application completing, there is still time to do what I NEED to do – to spend time learning from and listening to my Creator.  As I listen to Him and learn of Him, my gratitude and trust can do nothing but increase – giving me a joy that I am not willing to negotiate!

Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy….”

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Thank you for taking time to read “Nonnegotiable Joy.” Please feel free to leave a comment or question.