Relax And Choose Joy

Like most people these days I seem to have more and more to do. Everyday there seems to be one hundred and one things that need done right away. As much as I try to simplify my life I always end up spending my time taking care of the daily details of living.

That is why I try to keep a little reminder taped to the window of my mind. This reminder tells me of the only two things that I really need to do each day. It is just four words long so that I won't forget it.

It says, "Relax and choose Joy."

Now I still do all the daily errands that life demands. I still drive the kids to school and pick them up again. I still run to the store and get the groceries. I still do the dishes, feed the pets, and clean the house. I still do my work and pay my bills. Only now I do them happily and in a spirit of love and joy.

I don't feel rushed or stressed or worried anymore. I don't feel upset or bad if something doesn't get done. I don't feel like a failure because I haven't been the perfect husband or dad.

My little reminder has helped me to live a busy life with a peaceful heart. It has kept my thoughts and feelings focused on what is really important in this life. It has allowed me to "relax and choose joy" as I go about doing the one hundred and one things that need done each day.

I know now that no matter how busy I may get if I only relax and choose joy and love that things will work out as they should.

When the daily details of life start to get to you then remember that God loves you and wants you to be happy. Remember that you need only to "relax and choose joy" to make your busy life beautiful and wonderful again.

[ Joseph J. Mazzella -- from 'Aiken Drum' (Aiken@AikensLaughs.com) ]