I heard someone say once that “life is a bitch and she bites!” That was a well spoken statement in my opinion.  Often this life deals us blows that we do not feel we are capable of handling. For me one such event came on September 27, 2011 when my mother passed away in the morning and my youngest daughter was born that same afternoon.  I didn’t know whether to feel joy or pain and then the James 1:2 scripture popped in my head and my immediate question was “How do I count this all Joy?” And my immediate answer was “This experience sucks ass!”

As the days turned into months after the funeral and birth I was able to reflect more on that day and do a better job of finding an answer to my question. The answer was and is, “be thankful”.  My mother lived a full life and provided me with the best that a single parent could. I love her and could always go to her with my care and concerns, for that I am thankful.  My daughter is the most perfect baby I’ve ever laid eyes on and she makes me smile every time I look into her little round face. She was born by two parents whom generally love and like one another. For that I am truly thankful.

If life is dealing you blow after blow and you are endeavoring to make sense of it all. If you may be trying to answer “How to count it all Joy?” in your life or maybe just trying to find some perspective.  My advice to you, find as many things as you can find to be thankful for and let your heart rest on them. The Universe will handle the rest and you will be able to eventually “Count it all Joy”.

Troy Myree Sr. is Founder of SeriousEncouragement.com, LLC and the author of “SeriousEncouragement.com ~ Living Life from the Inside Out”, available on Amazon.com and SeriousEncouragement.com online bookstore.