Perspective matters hugely when it comes to joy. Two people can view the same circumstances entirely differently; one will show resilience and positivity; another will feel despair and want to give up. Some of this depends on temperament, but much depends on perspective. How we view a situation will often determine how we respond to it.
One of my favourite childhood stories was ‘Pollyanna’, a lesson in thankfulness. Pollyanna was taught by her father to play the ‘glad game’, to find something to be glad about in every situation. Once, having prayed for a doll as a present, she received crutches instead. It would have been easy to focus on disappointment, even to blame God for not answering her prayer, but Pollyanna decided she could be glad because she did not need them! That kind of outlook made her an encouraging, positive person, a delight to be with.
Mary, when confronted by an angel telling her the most earth-shattering news possible, could have responded with shock and horror. She could have focussed on the humiliation which would inevitably come her way (people do not generally believe stories of angels appearing and virgins becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit.) Instead, she chose to say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) Her attitude transforms the Christmas story. She cooperates with God and becomes the mother of the Lord – and in so doing rejoices in God her Saviour. (Luke 1:47) Cooperation with God will always result in joy.