Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. James 1:2-4.
Pure is defined as: free from blemishes, clean, spotless. It is what I strive to be as a Christian and child of God.
Joy is defined as: great delight or happiness, keen pleasure. It is what God gives me when I walk in His steps.
Apart they define who I strive to become, and what I strive to have, both of which can only be acheived through God's help. Together they describe what my attitude needs to be toward my struggles and pains.
James is my favorite book of the bible, and this is my favorite verse. Especially as I've struggled through moving to Kansas and choosing a college, I've had to remember to keep my perspective joyful, keep my head above water. After all, life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance and find joy in the rain.
