Don't forget to sing in the lifeboats

Ben got a book of quotes for his birthday. It is entitled: "Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats." It has some fun and interesting quotes and the title always catches my attention. To me, this is a great metaphor for choosing joy despite difficult circumstances.

This morning, I found the same quote, in full, at the bottom of my notepad. "Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats." - Voltaire

I was nestled into the couch, with my Bible in my lap and my coffee in my hand. I was trying to finish yesterday's reading in Job so that I could get caught up and start on today's reading. But, in the back of my mind, I was actually anxiously contemplating my schedule for today, which is full of appointments and a Rotary lunch meeting.

This quote stopped me short. "Life is a shipwreck." As I thought about this statement, I affirmed that this is true, in general. It reminds me of Jesus' words: "In the world you have tribulation..." (John 16:33)

But the conclusion to this fact is so surprising and encouraging. Sing in the lifeboats. Take courage, Jesus has overcome the world. Stand up and rejoice right in the middle of watching your ship sink or your world be troubled. I truly believe that joy in God is possible, regardless of our circumstances, and that this is the way to endure difficulty well.

And then, there is the little matter of perspective. I am not actually facing shipwreck today. I am blessed, but choosing a fearful perspective on my day. In order to shift my feelings and my perspective, I am going to end by counting my gifts this morning.

I pray that God helps you choose joy today, whether you are standing in a lifeboat or just feeling fearful.

Still Counting Gifts:

#948: Ben is baking fresh bread right now
#949: My dad made the coffee so that all I had to do was stumble upstairs and find a cup
#950: My schedule is full of clients
#951: Our rotary presentation in on nuns who have dedicated their lives to God
#952: I woke up early enough to enjoy the Lord, consider all of these things and write about them
#953: Oatmeal with pomegranate seeds
#954: God's grace and freedom from legalism (I chose to write instead of doing today's Bible reading and felt good about that decision)

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