No matter our life circumstances, Scripture tells us we can "rejoice always" (1 Thess. 5:16). This "gratitude attitude," as my old Sunday School teacher called it, has the power to change our hearts, and thus change our lives. Cultivating gratitude is a sure way to open the door to more joy.
Lastly, Jesus, I pray you would give my brother your joy. I remember when we memorized the fruit of the Spirit as kids. It’s easy to simply list out these qualities without giving them much thought, but I pray that you would allow him to truly be stopped in his tracks by the joy of the Lord. Allow him to step into the joy you have prepared for him and are always holding out to each of us. Let him feel your smile on him, simply for who he is. Let him rest in the fact that you created him and love him. Allow him to focus on all the blessings in his life and not dwell on mistakes, regrets, or wasted opportunities. Help him to cultivate a daily practice of gratitude that will be the catalyst for more joy. Even in the midst of bad weather, frustrating situations at work, chores piling up around the house, and other irritations we all face, allow him to choose joy and positivity, not only outwardly but deep in his heart.
Several years ago, I was coming back from a visit home to see my family at Christmastime. I was booked on a 6 a.m. flight leaving from the airport which is an hour and a half away from my family’s home. My brother volunteered to drive me, which meant waking up at 3 a.m. It was the first time I was cognizant of the fact that my brother was grown up. And not just grown up, but responsible, caring, and competent. I still feel this sense of amazement when I see him living his adult life and acting like an adult because I wasn’t privy to him becoming one since I was living away from home already. It reminds me what a privilege it is to have a brother.
I now have two little boys of my own—brothers! They are just starting to truly play with each other, and it warms my heart and gives me so much joy and gratitude that God would entrust me with them and be a huge factor in shaping their relationship. Truly, having a brother or being the mother of brothers is a gift. I pray all of us wouldn’t take this blessing for granted but would come to God with prayers of gratitude and intercession on behalf of the brothers he’s placed in our lives.
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