Random Fact: I am a part of a woven family. Meaning there is a
history of many different individuals joining together to make up my
family. Marriages that were broken became repaired, siblings that were
lost have been found. And friends that have joined with me to make up my
family. All joined together thru the saving power of Jesus.
Now, on to the post.
Did you ever think life should go a certain way? As in, this is how things should of gone? Or maybe this could have happened, but you aren't quite sure why it didn't? There is even what would have happened. Like, what would have happened if I had made this choice instead of the choice that had been made. I used to wallow in this. I was (ok, probably still am) very good and looking back on life and wishing I had made different choices.
To a certain degree, that's alright. But when my whole life is spent looking backwards, I miss what is right there in front of me. The now, the present. Which, with three kids isn't always where I want to be (since I am being so honest). It is, however, where I need to be. If I am looking at the past, I can get depressed over the missed opportunities, maybe not very wise choices and wrong decisions. These mistakes that I am still paying for. It's easy to stay there, to wallow. Again, that's not where I should stay though. There is no joy or abundant life in the past. Yes, there are lessons to be learned and the realization that I am so great at choosing poorly when I only consult my own counsel.
Joy, that comes in the now. In the daily thanking of God for all that I have. Even the stuff I don't particularly want to be in my life right now.Joy is a decision. An attitude that can be worn. I picture it as a soft, lilac colored sweater. I wish it was always easy to choose joy. Honestly, most days it's easier to choose discontent. Wearing discontent is like putting on the ugly, piled and misshapen sweater I have had since college. The article of clothing my husband shudders to see.
I was visiting my parents and siblings over the Labor Day weekend. It was beautiful where we were. At the end of our family picnic, we gathered around one of our own and prayed for them. As my dad was praying he said, "Lord, we thank-you for the blessings that are gonna come out of this. We don't know what they are, but we thank-you." That prayer is one of the reasons I love my dad so much. And it's so true. Thankfulness, counting on the promise that God works all things for the GOOD of those who love Him. This is the prayer I have for my life. That I would rest in the promises God has for me.
Part of being in the present is acting too. I don't just sit in my faith. Faith without works is dead. I need to be walking forward. Yes, there are moments of rest. And there will be moments of frenetic activity, but most of the time it's the daily working out of my faith that builds up my endurance. Praying over my kids and husband as I make their lunches. Lifting up scripture promises for a hurting friend. Sending a note of encouragement to someone. Intentionally looking for opportunities to serve in the community This is how I go forward in my faith.
It's how you can go forward to. The daily march of going forward with life.
What holds you back from choosing joy? What article of clothing would you describe joy as?
Blessings
-K
Now, on to the post.
Did you ever think life should go a certain way? As in, this is how things should of gone? Or maybe this could have happened, but you aren't quite sure why it didn't? There is even what would have happened. Like, what would have happened if I had made this choice instead of the choice that had been made. I used to wallow in this. I was (ok, probably still am) very good and looking back on life and wishing I had made different choices.
To a certain degree, that's alright. But when my whole life is spent looking backwards, I miss what is right there in front of me. The now, the present. Which, with three kids isn't always where I want to be (since I am being so honest). It is, however, where I need to be. If I am looking at the past, I can get depressed over the missed opportunities, maybe not very wise choices and wrong decisions. These mistakes that I am still paying for. It's easy to stay there, to wallow. Again, that's not where I should stay though. There is no joy or abundant life in the past. Yes, there are lessons to be learned and the realization that I am so great at choosing poorly when I only consult my own counsel.
Joy, that comes in the now. In the daily thanking of God for all that I have. Even the stuff I don't particularly want to be in my life right now.Joy is a decision. An attitude that can be worn. I picture it as a soft, lilac colored sweater. I wish it was always easy to choose joy. Honestly, most days it's easier to choose discontent. Wearing discontent is like putting on the ugly, piled and misshapen sweater I have had since college. The article of clothing my husband shudders to see.
I was visiting my parents and siblings over the Labor Day weekend. It was beautiful where we were. At the end of our family picnic, we gathered around one of our own and prayed for them. As my dad was praying he said, "Lord, we thank-you for the blessings that are gonna come out of this. We don't know what they are, but we thank-you." That prayer is one of the reasons I love my dad so much. And it's so true. Thankfulness, counting on the promise that God works all things for the GOOD of those who love Him. This is the prayer I have for my life. That I would rest in the promises God has for me.
Part of being in the present is acting too. I don't just sit in my faith. Faith without works is dead. I need to be walking forward. Yes, there are moments of rest. And there will be moments of frenetic activity, but most of the time it's the daily working out of my faith that builds up my endurance. Praying over my kids and husband as I make their lunches. Lifting up scripture promises for a hurting friend. Sending a note of encouragement to someone. Intentionally looking for opportunities to serve in the community This is how I go forward in my faith.
It's how you can go forward to. The daily march of going forward with life.
What holds you back from choosing joy? What article of clothing would you describe joy as?
Blessings
-K
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