Perfect joy

Yesterday, I was sitting at my computer, all ready to post on this blog, when I suddenly couldn't figure it out. I mean, really, it's not that hard to make an account (which I already had) and then post. But I got frustrated because I couldn't sign into this one. I tried everything - changing my settings, opening this page and following it, but nada. Well, today, Miss Sam came over and I thought since she set it up, surely she could help me. She's a genius, I must say... =D

So anyways, I'm really glad this whole thing was started, because not having facebook is a lot harder than it sounds. I now rely on this blog for my entertainment and open it every time I'm on my computer (which is a lot) to see if anyone has posted anything. Maybe I should wean myself off of my computer, but at least this is a much more productive way to spend my time rather than flipping through photos on facebook.

A couple weeks ago at Bible study we talked about suffering, and I remembered that St. Francis had said some pretty cool stuff, so this is a little late, and not inspired by today, but I think that's okay, because he is pretty cool!
I'll set the scene for you - St. Francis is talking to one of his Brothers, Brother Leo, about perfect joy and he is saying that even if all of his friars had gone out to the world and converted every last man, even that would not be perfect joy. WHAT! Even if every person is Catholic, that is not perfectly joyful? St. Francis has me, and Brother Leo, thrown off. He continues with this example - suppose that the two of them (Francis and Leo) arrive at a friary "soaked by the rain and frozen by the cold, all soiled with mud and suffering from hunger" and they are driven away with "curses and hard blows." Francis said, "...and if we bear it patiently and take the insults with joy and love in our hearts...that is perfect joy! Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to his friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ."
How crazy is that? We are supposed to put up with our suffering because we love Jesus? Yes! And in the end, I'm pretty sure he'll help us get through it. But if we sit there complaining and moping, how much more miserable do we make ourselves feel?
After reading that, I feel like - "okay, God, I'm really embarrassed right now, but it's okay, becuase I am doing it for you." To me, it seems like a small way to pay him back for suffering for all of us so much more than any suffering or pain or humilition I'll ever have to go through. So let's praise God for willingly putting up with annoying people, rude comments, embarrassing moments, and remember that He is smiling down on us!