Are we hypocrites when we smile when inside we are experiencing a storm? It depends on our inner attitude, I would guess. What do you think? Yes, we can pretend everything is all right to make people believe we are successful, strong, and on top of things. Lest we become open and vulnerable so that others would not take advantage of us!

I am convinced there are other reasons to smile when my soul weeps. It can be my choice. I can decide to focus on what is beautiful and satisfying in my life. There is always plenty of those. Life can be joyful even when it is painful. Pain and joy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I think they often go hand in hand. Many times when I struggle, I decide to be joyful.

I try to understand why I am feeling so low at the moment. Such experience usually cleanses me and makes me stronger, transforming me into someone who listens more and talks less. I can redirect my focus from myself and ask for wisdom. God will give it to those who genuinely seek it. I long to become purer and more translucent so His healing light can shine through me to others. That light can burn away any darkness and illuminate even the most forgotten corner of my heart. I am no longer afraid of pain. If I enter into dialogue with it, pain points the finger at what is not OK in our lives and offers solutions. What about you? Do you avoid pain or are you interested in solving what’s behind it?