I stumbled upon this poem yesterday, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. I think I should memorize it.

You have to believe in happiness

“You have to believe in happiness,
Or happiness never comes.
I know that a bird chirps none the less
When all that he finds is crumbs.

You have to believe the buds will blow,
Believe in the grass in the days of snow.
Ah, that’s the reason a bird can sing,
On his darkest day he believes in Spring.

You have to believe in happiness—
It isn’t an outward thing.
The Spring never makes the song, I guess,
As much as the song the Spring.

Aye, many a heart could find content
If it saw the joy on the road it went,
The joy ahead when it had to grieve,
For the joy is there—but you have to believe.”

—Douglas Malloch (1877–1938)

I am grateful for birds that sing.

I am grateful that if I have to be away from home, at least I am here in a place that I love.

I am grateful when an elevator works, but I am also grateful for stairs that exercise my stagnant self.

I am grateful for a tv remote control. And more than 3 channels. And color. And an end to that rolling annoyance that used to be – I don’t even know what it’s called, but anyone under 45 years of age has no clue what I speak of, I am certain. But I do miss the fascination I used to have with the record player arm that just knew how to raise up and lower down on a record and find the right groove.

I am grateful I grew up before all this technology became the norm.

I am grateful that I can choose not to listen to unsolicited advice.

I am grateful for Chinese food, delivered, on a freezing rain kind of day.

I am grateful for messages that seem to fit exactly what my heart needs to hear in the moment.

The joy I give you transcends your circumstances. This means that no matter what is happening in your life, it is possible to be joyful in Me. The prophet Habakkuk listed a series of dire circumstances that he was anticipating, then he proclaimed, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” This is transcendent joy!

I am training you to view your life from a heavenly perspective – through eyes of faith. When things don’t go as you had hoped, talk with Me. Seek My Face and My Guidance. I will help you discern whether you need to work to change the situation or simply accept it. Either way, you can teach yourself to say, “I can still rejoice in YOU, Jesus.” This short statement of faith – expressing your confidence in Me – will change your perspective dramatically. As you practice doing this more and more, your Joy will increase. This training also prepares you to handle the difficulties awaiting you on your pathway toward Heaven. Rejoice in Me, always. – from Sarah Young’s, “Jesus Always,” February 5 (emphasis by Rhonda)

I am grateful for new shoes that I really like.

I am grateful for a friend who listens and doesn’t mind the ugly unload.

I am grateful for others like me who wear it all on their sleeve.

I am grateful for flowers in winter.

I am grateful for memories of Mom’s hot chocolate mix…the stuff with powdered milk and powdered sugar. Mmmmmm.

I am grateful for anticipation of a great night of basketball. Who in the world am I. I do not recognize my old self…

I am grateful that I always have a to-do list.

I am grateful that bills are paid and there is still money in the bank to give to others.

Finally, I am grateful for the word, “yet.” Even though, I will. In spite of, I will.  Yet, I will reJOYce in the Lord.

Like the poem says. The JOY is there…you just have to believe.

Life is not intended to be simply a round of work,
no matter how interesting and important that work may be.
A moment’s pause to watch the glory of a sunrise or a sunset is soul satisfying, while a bird’s song will set the steps to music all day long.
– Laura Ingalls Wilder