{day 9} clap your hands...

Yesterday I was in the worst of worst moods.

This morning, before these size sevens hit the carpet, I went before the Throne and boldly asked for an attitude adjustment. 

I recited Philippians 4:4 to myself as I was getting dressed for work. 

As my sweet girl and I were on the way to school {and work}, we said our prayers.  Like we do every morning.  I praised God for His abundant blessings and His new mercies.  I asked for my eyes to stay focused on Him and blinded to my desires. 

As we said amen {or Ah-Man, as Harper likes to say}, I heard a sweet little voice say, 'Happy Mama.'

I wasn't sure I heard her correctly.

'Happy Mama.'

Was it a question?  A statement?  A new nickname?

Was she saying she was happy?  Was she asking if I was happy? 

Did she sense something different about my attitude from yesterday morning?

'Are you happy, baby girl?'

'Uh-huh.'

'Is Mama happy?'

'Uh-huh.'

And she clapped her hands.

'Do you want to sing the song?'

'Uh-huh.'

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

Her question and this song have stayed in my head all day.  I want my daughter to think of me as happy.  Not as grumpy {like I was yesterday}.  I want the joy I feel in my heart to shine all over my face.  I want to go about my day clapping my hands because my heart is so happy.

I know I will face other days when my mood reflects the gloomy weather.  And I know there will be days when I just don't feel happy. 

But there is always reason to rejoice.

'Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again:  Rejoice!'

Philippians 4:4

So, today, I rejoice.  And clap my hands.

When a face like this, with her sweet, sweet voice, asks you, 'Happy Mama?', how can you not clap your hands?

Check out more of this 31 day series:

Day One.

Day Two.

Day Three.

Day Four.

Day Five.

Day Six.

Day Seven.

Day Eight.