Oh So Joyful

As Christmas gets closer and closer, I can't help but think about things that I am Oh So Joyful for.

 

I am Oh So Joyful about hard lessons learned. The way they helped mold me and shape me into who I am becoming in a way that far surpasses my own expectations. When going through hardships, we don't often think about what the lesson is in this moment as all we can do is try to survive it. 

 

One thing that I have really done the work on is improving my mindset and outlook on life in general. I remembered a time when I was filled with joy and optimism that was infectious. I had lost that somewhere along the way because as each new blow came, my heart became harder. I'll never be able to be that same person I was back then because of all that I have been through, but what I can do is become the woman God is calling me to be. 

 

Whether you are currently facing a hard lesson or you've recently come out on the other side of it, remember that within this lesson is an opportunity for you to grow. Don't give up, push through it, and see what comes out of it.

 

I am Oh So Joyful about second chances. This is a big one. I believe that it is important to not only receive a second chance but to extend them as well where possible. By allowing room for a second chance, you are giving someone the chance to show you just how much they have learned and grown from their lessons learned. 

 

Now, not everyone learns and grows, so sometimes second chances aren't an option. I completely get and understand that as well. Evaluate your relationships to see if the second chance comes with a risk or potential reward and weight your options for both. Only you know the right answer when it comes to this, so trust your intuition and lean into God's guidance. 

 

I am Oh So Joyful about feeling aligned. Have you ever been plugging along doing what you're doing, knowingly not doing what you felt God asking you to do, all the while struggling? This is my experience over the last eight years of my business. I have had seasons of great success and great failures, but through it all I have wrestled with surrendering to what I felt God nudging me to be doing. It wasn't what I wanted to do. 

 

The thing is, what we want and what God wants are often in competition with each other. God will allow us the free will to choose what we do, but He will also be there to remind us of His intended purpose which is unwavering. Eventually, it will catch up to you, and you'll be faced with a big decision. This year, I have surrendered and am going back to that first call that I felt strongly about and ignored. I'm trusting God in this change and whatever comes out of it I know will be because of Him. 

 

I am Oh So Joyful about love everlasting. I mess up, and I mess up a lot! I am not only joyful about God's love everlasting, but am Oh So Grateful for it too. When I gave up on myself, He didn't. When I refused to accept that I was loved, He didn't. Through my defiance and disobedience, His love remained steadfast and true as he patiently and lovingly awaited my return.

 

It's hard to admit that you've messed up and even harder to seek forgiveness for it. That is why I am Oh So Joyful that in spite of everything, He still loves me. 

 

As Christmas draws near, may you be reminded of everything you are Oh So Joyful about and more!

 

With Grace, Shonda Ramsey