If there were a few words to encompass my daily life, I would commit to you that Musical Theatre would be those words. At seven years old, a shy girl stepped onto a stage to audition for a musical entitled Annie. That girl’s entire world would change, as year after year she would return to a stage and perform. Since that day, I have been blessed to play various roles. A few of my favorites including a Mersister in the Little Mermaid, as well as various roles in a production of Les Misérables. In my area, I have performed in numerous shows: Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, The School of Rock, and so on. Now I am still highly involved in Theatre. It is both my greatest hobby and among my greatest blessings. Many of my happiest moments are under a light in a costume. Never do I feel more like myself. I feel pure joy. Today, I have dreams and goals. And I still pursue my passion.

You have put more joy in my heart than when grain and wine abound. - Psa. 4:7

Truly I believe that I would not be who I am without the influence of theatre in my life. Theatre has taught me the importance of humility. And the tendency I have to become indulgent in pride. Theatre has revealed to me the importance of being a good role model for our younger generation. It has assisted me in learning a very important truth: simply because I don’t have the role my heart longs for does not mean that I am insignificant. Or mean that God forgot about me. Through disappointment, he has shaped my heart. Helped me to realize that I am not a letter or number or name.

With each show I partake in, I become a better version of myself. In my eyes, that is something to smile over. Often, I feel as though we do not remember that God is our friend. Is that an earth-shattering concept to consider? It is. Yet, it is true. He wants us to live a fulfilled and happy life where He has planted us. Happiness and joy are things that He prizes. He promotes these attributes. Rejoices in them!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say rejoice. - Phi. 4:4

If I am honest, I don’t thank Him enough for planting me where I am now. Truthfully, it has become so normal to me that I do not remember the unique opportunities he has provided me with. And the connections that He has given me.

I would like to challenge you. Think about this. Has God done something in your life to bring you joy? It doesn’t have to be huge. Joy could be a smile or a new friend. Perhaps a promotion or activity? In the past few weeks, I have been blessed with opportunity after opportunity. Door after door He has opened for me. And still, I forget to thank Him.

Why is that? Do we just expect these things? Or is it truly out of a disconnect between our perception of what He wants for us? These questions I cannot answer and they are different for each of us. However, on this morning, I just wanted to remind you of a few simple truths in the context of my life. The objectives are simple. God cares for us so greatly that He wants us to be happy and enjoying our lives. Secondly, have we ever thanked him for the blessings that simply bring us great joy? Lastly, joy is a decision. Have you chosen to be joyful? Personally, I am going to thank Him right now for over a decade of joy.