One of the wisest things my mother ever said to me was, "You have it within yourself to be happy." It was her oft-repeated phrase for me whenever I was sad or grumpy. I did not see it back then for the pearl it was; instead, I saw it as the period at the end of the sentence, the sign that the conversation was over.
Maybe if she had explained further...maybe if she had said, "It is your responsibility to put this sadness into perspective with the many blessings in your life. No one can do that for you." Maybe if she had said, "If you allow circumstances to affect your joy, you will never be in control of your own happiness." Maybe if she had said, "Make a list of all your blessings, and then weigh them against this minor setback."
Who am I kidding? A determination to wallow in self-pity has no remedy. Reasoning is in vain. So the simple, unelaborated-upon directive has to be wrestled with by the mourner.
It took years for me to understand how incredibly wise her advice was. Often, that's how it is with the wisdom of the Bible. God patiently waits for us to "get it"--one profound lesson at a time. For the human psyche it is a journey to finally grasp the practical, life-changing elements of
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
