Joy

 

Our Wednesday night Ladies Bible Class just finished this book/study. I felt challenged and inspired by in and our class discussions. The many things that stick out to me is that there are like three times as many scripture about joy then about sorrow in the Bible. He intended Joy to be a part of our Christian fabric of who we are. One part of the book talks about finding and seeking out 'Joy mentors' as one way to work on your joy. I felt convicted that I would like to be a joy mentor for my children and family especially but as I reflect on my day to day with my family during this season of our life, while joy is present, I also get frazzled, cranky and worry about things more than I want too. I really would like to grow in my joy and grow in becoming one that nurtures joy in others (another concept in the book). It is for sure a life long spiritual journey to not only keep the small things but even much more the big storms of life from stealing our joy. Something I knew but need to be drawn back to again and again, circumstance does not define our joyfulness - our hope and confidence in God, he's ultimate plan and care-taking of us does.

Gratitude is one way to grow your joy. I think being intentional about focusing our thankfulness on even the tiniest of blessings is meaningful on my joy journey. So here's a list of gratitude's that left me smiling this week:

• Ava referring to the store 'Old Navy' as 'Old Lady'. She loves 'Old Lady' because they give her a balloon almost every time we go. I have had some birthday money to spend, so getting some maternity clothes that actually fit has kept us with a few return trips recently. (Who wants to try anything on in the store when your 7 months pregnant with your toddler in tow). Friday when the lady asked her if she wanted one, She turned to me, not sure if she should say yes and she whispered "Can I, I already have one at home?". She was sure this exempted her from getting another. I loved that moment.
• Ryan has been on a mission a birthday gift he wanted me to have. At this point I have to say the biggest gift is actually how important it has become to him to get the one he feels is just what he wanted me to have.
• Thursday was a great day at work. I had a great training in the morning with my team and then had the best sessions in the afternoon. I was so proud of the two sessions I was part of for the kind of hard and challenging work those parents are doing to make real changes. I am co-therapist on each case as I am assisting a staff member that is training in a specific therapy model. Everywhere I turned it seemed whether it was staff or clients I was impressed with the courage and fortitude it takes to grow and make real change.
• Getting to celebrate Allie B's birthday with her.
• Getting Baby Boy's bedding in the mail, starting on his room.
• Being inspired by a dear friend's faith through a possible foster/adoption journey. I know God must smile on her faithfulness and many others that put their hearts out there in that way not knowing how it will all unfold but surrendering it to God to guide the path.