As the Holiday season was blowing in around the Smith household, we noticed that with all the stress, activity, and undue pressures there was another spirit blowing in…a spirit with a little attitude…conflict!  Yep, the Smith family is like any other family, we sometimes have conflict.  So in the midst of our conflict, Hollye and I decided to address it.  We called a “Family Meeting” and said, “Okay, individually we are either bringing Joy or Conflict to this family…which one are you bringing?”  We decided that night as a family we would commit to ask ourselves that question every time we had a disagreement or when things didn’t go our way…”Are we bringing joy or conflict to the family?” 

It really was pretty funny to hear our two children about to get into a major argument and little man asked his Big sis…”Joy or Conflict?”  Don’t you love it when kids get it?  I can’t say that ended all of our conflicts but it sure helped!  Our hearts desire is to have a home where there is peace so we try as much as we can to be intentional in the process. 

Now what about your Small Group Team or Office…Do you bring joy or conflict to your team?  or your marriage, or your home, or even your workplace?  What are YOU bringing to the table?  God tells us to try to live peaceably with all people.  The key word is “TRY”.  You are responsible for your part not for anybody else.  So here is the challenge…in 2009, try to bring JOY to every place that you enter.  Leave the conflict at the door! 

What are some ways that you remind yourself to choose a life of joy?  Hope you have a wonderful week!