Today’s soul grace is brought to you by a song that our family has been singing all year. It was such a hit when we first heard it, and has been so poignant, that we even made a feature of the phrase “always choose joy” on a lightbox that graced our kitchen counter for awhile. It always brought a smile to my face – funnily enough!
I have to say though, it’s a phrase that I simultaneously love and struggle with. Always choosing joy. And as I’ve grappled with the concept, I’ve come to realise that choosing joy doesn’t mean “being happy” all the time, or even smiling all the time. No, it’s far more deep-seated than that.
It’s holding on to hope, no matter how bleak things might look.
It’s knowing that what you’re experiencing right now, isn’t all there is to life.
It’s finding the strength to show kindness when all you feel like doing is running away.
It’s allowing the tears to fall and knowing that grief plays a role in comprehending what joy is, and what it can be.
It’s being human, and choosing to do so with a perspective that isn’t altered by circumstances.
It’s understanding that a smile doesn’t downplay the hard stuff.
For me, it’s placing my trust, first and foremost, in God, to guide my steps through the amazing times, the tough times, and the ones in between.
All that said, without further ado, here’s the song! Check out the video below and/or keep scrolling down this page to read a copy of the lyrics. (If you opt for the video, you might feel the need to boogey along to it, in which case I can highly recommend the use of disco lights, courtesy of my girls’ enthusiasm!)
SMILE ~ Sidewalk Prophets
Lost your way, lost your cool
Then you straight up lost your mind
Tried so hard to stay ahead
But you keep falling behind
Life is gonna pull you down
Make it hard to see
But a little change in your point of view
Could be just what you need
There’s always a reason
To always choose joy
There’s something deeper
That the world can’t destroy
Smile, when you think you can’t
Smile, get up and dance
Smile, there’s a bigger plan
The storm only lasts for a while
So smile
Happiness is wonderful
But it doesn’t stick around
Walkin’ on sunshine
Then here come the clouds
You can laugh or you can cry
When it all falls apart
But I believe the more you laugh
The more you heal the heart
There’s always a reason
To always choose joy
There’s something deeper
That the world can’t destroy
Smile, when you think you can’t
Smile, get up and dance
Smile, there’s a bigger plan
And you’ve got a reason
Smile, when you think you can’t
Smile, just clap your hands
Smile, there’s a bigger plan
You’ve got a reason to smile
Smile, when you think you can’t
Smile, just clap your hands
Smile, there’s a bigger plan
You’ve got a reason to smile
Get on up and smile
You’ve got a reason to smile
There’s something about a smile that is so good for the soul, both for the wearer and the recipient!
Today, my prayer is that you will be able to find a reason to smile.
If not right now (and sometimes that’s just the way it is, and that’s ok), then soon.
Kristy x
Not sure what this is all about? Learn more about Soul Graces here.
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