We are called to have joy and gratitude. But we often view those as circumstantial, as things that "happen" to us. But what if we actually choose to have joy and gratitude even when our circumstances stink, even when they don't just happen to us? Choosing joy and gratitude requires intentionality. It requires stewardship. We must shepherd joy and gratitude - actively pursue them, keep them, and protect them, for them to be persistent in our lives. Otherwise, joy and gratitude will be fleeting.