Choosing Joy

A Birthday Reflection

Today is my birthday. And while most people use their birthdays to receive messages and celebrate with friends, for me, this day always feels like a chance to pause and remember why I’m here at all.

I think of my parents. They were two college kids who met while sharing the gospel on campus, full of zeal for Jesus and dreams for the future. Their friendship turned to love, and then came the unexpected news that would test everything they believed. They could have chosen what the world calls an “easier way,” but instead they chose life. They chose to trust that the God they’d been introducing to others was big enough to carry them through their own moment of fear. And He did. Out of uncertainty and trembling faith, He built a family and a legacy of grace.

Because of that choice, I’m here. My sisters are here. Our lives with all their twists and turns are evidence of what God can do when we say yes to Him, even when we’re trembling. When the life around me feel less than joyful, more sad than happy, more confusing than clear…that choice has continued to echo into even the most difficult days.

My dad, with his heart for the Lord, a pastor and teacher he filled our home with his love for jazz, cars, and laughter, and taught me what it looks like to love God with your whole being — to serve joyfully and teach faithfully. My mom, so beautiful and creative – always making our houses into homes with her art, music, and wisdom. Together, they lived out a faith that became the foundation for my sisters and me. They gave us truth steadies us to this day.

And standing on that foundation matters more now than ever. Life has its seasons, of course. Birthdays land in the middle of moments that are bright and easy, while others shadowed and stretching. Lately, the shadows have often felt long. There have been moments when fear and disappointment could have taken over, when anger and sadness pressed hard against my peace. But I remember the hugs that told me I was loved, the faith that taught me God is good even when people aren’t, and the hope that has never failed me yet.

When I’m tempted to fear, I remember: my parents chose faith over fear. When I’m tempted to despair, I remember: God has always brought beauty from ashes. When I’m tempted to see only the heartbreak of this moment, I remind myself of what Hebrews says:

“At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him.
But we see Jesus…” Hebrews 2:8–9

“But we see Jesus.” Those words have steadied me. We don’t always understand how everything fits together or why the road winds the way it does. But we do, if we choose to see Him – that’s choosing joy.

So whether it’s your birthday or just another day on the calendar, take a moment to remember where you’ve come from and what God has carried you through. Maybe your story is full of blessing. Maybe it’s marked by loss or betrayal or a mixture of both. Either way, your life is a story that God is still writing, and His pen has not lifted from the page.

When we choose to see our lives from His perspective we let the examples of faith before us remind us that He is still at work. It was Jesus who said that He went to the cross for what? “for the joy set before Him.” Joy. Wow. He was my parent’s ultimate example. He is mine. I can choose joy. I do choose joy.

So, today, 59 years after my parents made that choice I am thankful that I am redeemed and more than that, that I have joy because this entire world will ultimately be redeemed. My parents chose to love God and be faithful even when it was hard and emotionally scary. That laid the foundation of my entire life. I can choose life, and joy, and look to Him above the hurt and disappointment, because God is still faithful, and even when I don’t see everything clearly, I see Him.

Here’s to another year of choosing life, choosing joy, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.