When Wrenn was about two years old, we used a phrase quite regularly with her. "Get happy."

Sulking, whining, fit-throwing, she wasn't allowed to indulge in that kind of thing. Sometimes it took a little disciplining to go along with it, but in the end, there was a watery smile on her face, and the return of a cheerful heart.

We adults are not exempt from this particular lesson. It's tempting to give in to the misery we imagine ourselves in. Wallow in our myriad discomforts and pains. But what does that accomplish? Nothing. It merely perpetuates the negative- nothing good comes from it. The more we wallow, the worse we feel.

So now, Eli has arrived at that stage, where I am beginning to say, "Get happy" again. The parental directive, designed for his own good, the restoration of a good spirit and gratefulness, is familiar to me. I am reminded of the times I felt that same firmness as a Christian, the times my Father sent that message to me.

Get over yourself.

Stop whining.

You've got a lot to be grateful for, and it's time to let your anger and frustration go. Don't indulge your weaknesses, your complaints. Be the thing I created you to be. Enjoy the things I've given you, count your blessings. Be grateful, for I have given you everything when you deserved nothing.

The thing about this parenting technique is that the order imposed by the outside force, will become genuine. When Wrenn and Eli surrender to that command, in a few short moments, they truly ARE happy. And when I surrender to God in that way, I find that I am truly happy, too.

And that, after all, is what He wants.