One of The Agronomists favourite sayings is, "Perception is reality."
He'll place it just within ears reach, as I'm mulling and twisting over a decision someone has made.
A decision I cannot even fathom or begin to understand.
And then, with those three words, the seed of understanding is sown.
Because now I have to plant it in their garden, not mine.
When I go for a walk in someone elses muddy shoes, I find them to be somewhat uncomfortable and usually not my style, but wow, does it help me to understand why their toes are pinching.
Perception is reality.
It is a truth I must relearn every day.
It would seem I'm a slow learner
What does this saying have to do with Christmas ornaments?
Well... over the past ten days I've decided I have a new favourite saying.
One that will sit in a place of honour along with "Perception" and another favourite "Do unto your neighbour as you would have them do unto you."
I've decided to add another.
Joy is a decision.
This is a truth I have come to realize over the past ten days of "Finding my Christmas Joy."
I struggled with finding Joy on some days and to be truthful, from hour to hour the pendulum could and would swing.
What I have found though, is that it has been completely up to me, as to whether or not I would find Joy.
Because of setting out on a quest to find it each day, I would be looking for it.
And you know what?
It was always found.
Joy is a decision.
If you look for it, you will find it.
May you have a Merry Joy Filled Christmas!
xoxo
PS
Today The Agronomist brought home a new Canon 7D for me
which I took the above picture with.
I don't know if it's just my perception?
But I'm pretty sure I have the best husband in the whole wide world.
And no, I'm not handing over any of my shoes for you to walk in.
You'll just have to take my word on the reality of this statement ; )
This post will be linking up with Jenny Matlock's Holiday Blessings today!
Christmas isn't here yet..there is still time to link up with Bungalow'56 and share your own Christmas Joy Inspiration!
Thank you for the awesome Joyful posts and photos below!
Make the choice every day. Choose JOY.
ReplyDeleteHebrews 12:1 let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us :)
Happy Christmas dear! :)
ReplyDeleteI've struggled a lot with that concept this past year and wonder why more people don't realize it...Joy is truly a decision! It doesn't mean we are going to be happy smiley lala all the time, but we have to make it happen!
ReplyDeleteLove this post.
That picture is AWESOME! Your hubby is so cool for bringing you a new camera.
Love this. It's so true!!! Merry CHRISTmas!
ReplyDeleteSo True! I'm sure that the only reason I've found Joy this year is because I was searching....because of you. We've had many more downs than ups in our house, and finding the joy has made the days better! What a lovely Christmas surprise!!!!! Hope you enjoy!!!! Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he brought home a wonderful gift! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's absolutely a choice.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
=)
Hi Dana! I can't believe I wasn't a follower of your blog until now :)
ReplyDeleteIn the ordinariness of everyday life, finding joy does, occasionally, take time. But it is, as you so clearly have pointed out in these posts, there.
ReplyDeleteYour husband is so wonderful to bring home that new camera for you. Great photo. Can't wait to hear all about the new camera and see more amazing shots.
Merry Christmas from snow-buried southern Minnesota!
Okay, your husband is truly the best ever. I would die over a 7D. Love you.
ReplyDeletexoxo,t
I have a terrible cold but I have been following your joy of Christmas series. This one is my favorite. I truly believe that happiness, positive attitudes, and joy are decisions we make each and every day and if we are lucky they become habits.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your inspiration
Traci
I am a firm believer in all the joy you can contain!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very profound post. Joy is truly a choice, and I'm so glad you've found it!
ReplyDeleteHope you well, season's greetings!
ReplyDeleteAwards 4 U, Merry Christmas, Thanks 4 Being My Friend!
and
Awards 4 U, Stay Blessed
Love your photo. Joy is want keeps me going!
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement. I tell that to my kids all the time. No-one can make you mad/sad/happy because it is all within us. We have that choice. How great is that!! We get to choose how we will view life. Thanks for the 12 days of reminding me that!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! and yes,how wonderful of your hubby to bring home a special treat for you...what a great photo you took :o)
ReplyDeleteHere's to more JOY!
Blessings & Aloha!
Mele Kalikimaka!
I couldn't agree more with that quote.
ReplyDeleteJoy is a decision.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a choice...even when it feels there is nothing to be joyful about.
Thank you for this lovely post.
I wish you a joyous 2011.
Thank you for linking.
A+