God has been teaching me something recently. I like my life, really. I have a great family, great husband, great kids, great life. Overall I'd say very blessed. However, I've noticed over the past months that I don't seem to have a lot of joy in my day to day, everyday life moments. This spring I realized that I don't laugh as much with my kids as I'd like. I seem to have this perpetual frown on my face as I tell them, once again, to stop doing that to your brother/sister! I don't like that and I want to change but my question has been for a while now, how do I? How do I find joy in the daily routine of little ones & smelly diapers? How do I focus on God and what He's doing in our lives in little ways when life seems to be going by me at warp speed and everyone needs something right at this very moment?
I don't have near all the answers but God has started to point out a few things in my life, that are part of the lack of joy & contentment in my life. First, he brought a Beth Moore Bible study on Believing God my way. From that I've started looking up all the verses on joy in my concordance, reading the passage surrounding it and writing down anything that stands out regarding joy & being joyful. Second, I have begun reading a book (given to me by my friend Carolyn) called Balance That Works When Life Doesn't by Susie Larson. I'm only through chapter 2 but it's already given me a nugget of truth I needed to hear that just may be a crucial key to me living more of a joy-filled life.
In her book she quotes something God was saying to her at one time. God was saying to her, "You are so focused on your destination that you are only thinking about getting there...take a moment to enjoy it [life]. You're missing so much of the journey because your mind is on the destination."
That so sums up much of my life. I'm a planner. I love to plan - the next hour, day, month, etc... I think all my life I've always looked to the future. Occasionally I've looked back and regretted the past, but mostly always looking to the future. Now, it's a good thing to plan. I'll always be a planner. But God has been showing me that too much thinking about the future doesn't leave me any time to enjoy the present. I want to enjoy the present, the kids who have to come out and talk to me "one more time" before going to bed. The crazy little songs, stories & knock knock jokes. The swim parties, great hugs & times spent snuggled together reading. AND I want to look at my little kiddlings (and my husband for that matter) and just be in AWE of how wonderfully and beautifully made they are instead of how they didn't pick up their toys AGAIN.
That is my prayer. May I live in the moment, sense God in the moment and enjoy my family in the moment.
I'll keep you updated on how I'm doing... :-)
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3 comments:
Well said. Keep us updated on your journey for joy. I'd love to hear more about it!
Thanks for sharing your life! Love, Jenn
I heard Susie Larson speak at the Hearts at Home conference this spring. She was very encouraging. It IS hard to find joy in everyday living when it is so repetitive day in and day out. Keeping God before me and including Him in everything, even dishes and cleaning up messes, help me to keep God more in the 1st place category.
I'll keep reading for updates!
Kristie, I love this. Simply that you are seeking God and wanting to slow down and appreciate all he has given you and done for you brings indescribable amounts of joy and pleasure to him. I can't wait to hear the little nuggets of truth and beauty you get along the way.
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