“I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day” (Psalm 4:7)
joy doesn’t always dance.
sometimes joy is just sitting with your son, listening to him tell you about a dream he had – following up with what he thinks God is telling him through that dream
joy doesn’t always laugh
sometimes joy is found in window views of squirrels digging for acorns hidden for winter want or tree scrambles in the sunshine on a winter thaw. joy because God gave the moment to me – like an envelope containing a note of encouragement.
joy doesn’t always burst into song
sometimes joy is a choosing thing – in the midst of schedules broken like a carton of eggs and your eyes cross just figuring out how you’ll get it all done when the math says it can’t be – and it starts a spring storm in the middle of winter when my umbrella’s at home – and He washes away the soil of the days wear and tear, helping me see that sometimes broken schedules are just handcuffs unlocked – that everything contains love notes from Him – if I choose to open them, to read them – to find the joy within them!
joy doesn’t always kiss
sometimes joy is a sitting together thing – no big thoughts, no solution seeking, no bursts of great shakespearian passion or familial revelation – just star gazing in the black night, wrapped up in a blanket movie-watching together, porch swinging, – when the everyday living just runs off like rain water on roof-top eaves
joy opportunities aren’t always obvious.
do you get that – it’s the opportunity – are you taking it?
are you inviting Him into it?
it’s not just the wild apple ginger tea – it’s that He joins me there.
it’s not just a sunshine and blue sky walk on a warm afternoon – it’s that He joins me there
or the suds in the sink of dirty dishes
or clean, warm towels out of the dryer
a moment where suddenly everything goes right – at least for a moment
or a moment where everything goes wrong- when I invite Him – He joins me there
and He always brings just exactly what I need to turn any moment into a joy moment.
joy opportunities are sometimes ordinary, out-of-the-box creations of unexpectedness
like breakfast pizza, tulips in winter, or not using capitol letters on a writing adventure
joy isn’t just for special occasions. it’s as ordinary as your kitchen apron. choose joy!
This is so very true. I find such great joy even amidst the greatest pain of Fibromyalgia, for I have learned to draw deep into Jesus in those times and when my heart touches Him in a deeper way, joy just floods my heart. He is close to the suffering and brokenhearted. Yes, He sort of sometimes takes you by your hand and touches your heart with Himself and His joy with a ray of sunlight, or whispers joy in your ears through your husband love.
Blessings XX
Mia
I am so sorry you suffer Fibromyalgia. I wish I knew better how to comfort my friends who have it! It is a beautiful thing to understand like you do that He does take us by the hand, does reach out to touch our hearts and infuse us with His joy – your description of how He comforts us is eye-opening to the reality of relationship with Him. Thank you for coming by Mia. I love your heart and how you express it! Wishing you joy-catching moments this weekend!
Maryleigh
Such a huge difference between deep-seated joy and happy-clappy cheer, isn’t there … thanks for taking us there today, my friend. This precious fruit of the Spirit doesn’t come and go like shifting shadows. And for that, I am so grateful!
I hope you’re having a good week, my friend. I am thankful you’re in my life.
;-}
The happy-clappy cheer – or the happy dance – that doesn’t happen often – but joy – it’s more constant and faithful. I like how you say it – it doesn’t come and go like shifting shadows. It’s taken me a long time to learn that lesson! If I focus on the joy-catching moments Linda – I can say it has been a good week! God has so blessed me with encouraging friends like you!
Maryleigh
Beautiful reminder today, friend…He has really been challenging me to just find the joy wherever I am, in whatever I’m doing. When I take the time to look, there’s so much of it! Blessings and happy Wednesday to you! 🙂
Mel – it is challenging. Somethings I can find the joy in much easier – some things require repetitive joy searching. I’m not a runner (power-walker, yes)- and sometimes it feels like I’m training for a marathon where I have to run when it comes to finding joy! Thank you so much for coming by! Praying you find joy in the challenge this weekend!!!
Maryleigh
“It’s that He joined me there…” – Right? Is that not what it’s ALL about? Loved this! Visiting from Holley’s place… happy to be sharing a cup of coffee with you today!
I’m so glad you came by Karrileea – with your cup of coffee! He waits so patiently to be invited – waits for us to “get it” – that life is better when He joins us! Wishing you right-there moments with Him this weekend!
Maryleigh
I love your words! Thanks for a great reminder!
Hi Sarah – thank you for coming by and for your encouraging words! Hoping you have a weekend full of joy-catching moments!
Maryleigh
Loved this post! Especially the part about “sometimes broken schedules are just handcuffs unlocked”….you have such a different, refreshing way of viewing things.
-Emily
Emily – I don’t know if its different or refreshing or the warped results of raising 5 boys – but handcuffs have become so natural in this cowboy and indian house – that how else would a girl accessorize broken schedules! LOL – I am so glad you enjoyed my post, especially the broken schedule part – I particularly liked that part, too! Wishing you schedules that behave this weekend!
Maryleigh
Remembering that our joy is in Him, not our circumstances.
I am working so hard to live that right now. I’m not very graceful or consistent with it – focusing on Him and not the circumstances! Thank you for coming by. Wishing you joyful moments this weekend!
Maryleigh
Wow, so true! Thanks for sharing. Tulips are my favorite flowers. Love your apron photo also. Blessings and grace, Kasey
Tulips in the kitchen in Feb/March scream, “Spring’s almost here” – and that is a happy thought! I so enjoy my aprons – wish I could wear them everywhere:) Thank you so much for coming by! Wishing you joy catching moments in your weekend!
Maryleigh
Oh, deep breath, sigh! I want to print this out and put it on my fridge!
Hi there again, dropping in from Thought Provoking Thursday. Yes people tend to have the wrong idea of joy, thank God He has the true joy for us.
I love your perspective on joy! If Jesus is with us, there is joy. 🙂 Thank you.
This is great! It doesn’t look like we want it to, sometimes. I have an apron, too, a pretty floral ruffled thing, like yours. My friend brought it to me when I was in the hospital; I had nearly died, but didn’t and she gave me the apron with the words, “This is for all the meals you get to make for your family, because you will again.” That apron brings me joy 🙂
Great words carefully written and so true. I will not forget this, joy can be as ordinary as my apron. Thanks a lot for sharing, do have a super blessed day!
Love
Maryleigh, this is beautiful. In 2012, I chose the theme “Ain’t nobody gonna steal my joy” for my blog — and then I went on to have one of the most difficult years of my life. I would concur with you that joy is a choice. You must fight for it in the quiet moments and in the chaotic ones.
… and thanks for linking up at Thought-Provoking Thursday! 🙂
joy in the centre of pain
true joy indeed
a choice
a lifestyle
and you share beautifully!
Yes – when joy is seen as a choice – not a couch-potato happening – joy can happen in the centre of pain. I think Corrie ten Boom’s The Hiding Place is a wonderful example of that! Thank you so much for coming by and leaving your encouragement. Wishing you a joy-winning week! ~ Maryleigh
[…] before I really understood the growing challenges of a child with a joy-of-the-Lord spirit. (See Joy Ordinary as your Kitchen Apron to better understand my joy definition) – but it is inherently kind, gentle, […]