“All you that are righteous be glad because of what the LORD has done! Remember what the holy God has done, and give thanks to him.” Psalm 97:12 (GNT)
Look For the Joy
This picture popped up in my Timehop today and my first impulse was to quickly swipe it away. Looking, even in a glance, brought so many memories to the surface. Difficult memories, such heartache filled memories that at first I didn’t want to be reminded of, but then, just as quickly I decided to look more closely at this photo taken two years ago of my youngest grandson and me and something changed. My heartache became heartfelt gratitude.
Just two weeks prior to this picture our little one laid in a hospital bed hooked up to more tubes and wires then you can imagine fighting for his life. We were still in shock with all that had happened but as you can see, he was (and is) a miracle. In those fourteen days he’d returned to us the playful, smiling, precious boy we knew despite all he was going through. So today, that’s what I’m choosing to let this picture help me remember.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 (NLT)
You and I know that life IS difficult and filled with much heartache. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the midst of it all, looking at a trial as “great joy” doesn’t come naturally. I’m learning though, that when we can go back days, months, or yes, even years and picture all that God has accomplished, the blessings received, and how far we’ve come, that despite all the suffering, joy CAN be found!
This is a hard time of year for our family as we recall the events two years ago. Our first impulse is to look away because it’s just too painful to revisit those awful days, maybe you know just how that feels too. But James, a servant of God and of Jesus reminds us to reconsider, not to turn from it, but to look more closely at what’s changed. And you know what has? We have.
“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:3-4 (NLT)
None of us long for troubles to come our way, but when they do there’s comfort when we look to those memories from the past that pop up, focus on how God has seen us through, and noticing all the ways He transformed our weeping to rejoicing, ashes to beauty, and our heartache into joy,…
“Therefore we do not lose heart. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:16a, 17 (NLT)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Days 10/11: Between and Idea
We spent this weekend visiting family. It’s always hard to leave and today was no different. Traveling toward home we reminisced about the fun we’d had, planned for the week ahead, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery passing by outside the window. When we pulled away this morning our intention was to make the four hour trip straight through to home with only a short stop for a bite to eat, but about midway I was asked to think about altering our route.
I’ve written before of my dislike for change. Big changes or little, makes no difference to me; I’m not a fan. My mind had already set its navigation course toward home. My timetable was in place. I was comfortable with it all so why modify anything? After all, if we got home as planned there were things we could get done. But, that little voice inside my head (who I often try to mute) urged me to say, “yes” to veering off the beaten path and taking an unexpected jaunt. And I’m so thankful we did!
The tires crunched as we turned onto the gravely, leaf covered road and for a moment I just wanted to turn around but… I soon discovered that someplace between where we’d been and where we were going, beauty, peace, and joy awaited. Oh, what I might have missed! Bright, fall leaves dancing against the backdrop of a crystal-blue sky, the relaxing song of the gently flowing river, and crisp air tempered by the afternoon sunshine all would have missed had I chosen to stick to my own agenda. Not to mention, the gift of sharing God’s beauty and extra time with one another! And to think I almost missed it all.
The idea of sticking to our own agendas despite hearing a voice that says otherwise isn’t a new one. Matthew tells us in chapter 9, verses 57-62 about some men who are called to follow Jesus but whose minds were set on their own course and did not want to deviate from it. Oh, they had good reasons for not wanting to change directions, but, what would they miss as a result? Verse 10:16 answers that question. Matthew reports that those who turned onto the rough road of being a disciple, “returned with joy.”
Another person who I can relate to is Martha. Like me, she was very good at seeing all that needed to to get done instead of stopping to listen.
“Her sister, Mary, went and sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him teach. meanwhile Martha was anxious about all the hospitality arrangements. Martha: Lord, why don’t You care that my sister is leaving me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to get over here and help me. Jesus: Oh Martha, Martha, you are so anxious and concerned about a million details, but really, only one thing matters. Mary has chosen that one thing, and I won’t take it away from her.” Luke 10:39-41 (The Voice)
A call to volunteer. A plea for prayer. A little voice asking for a story to be read. An offer to attend church on Sunday morning.An invitation to spend time with those we love. A request to mentor a young person. A prompting to witness to others. How many times have I, have we, silenced Jesus’ voice and missed out as He’s called us to take a “jaunt” with Him because of a “million little details” we think are important? Here’s what I’m reminded, someplace between where we’ve been and where we’re going, there are opportunities for finding beauty, peace, and joy when we say, “yes” instead. Let’s not let our calendars, watches, or our own plans keep us on the beaten path, rather, let’s turn onto the One Way, the Only Way that really matters. There’s no doubt we‘ll be grateful we did!
Time…. The days can feel as if they fly by and yet, minutes also feel like they last forever. So here we are at the end of another month and believe it or not, almost another year. There were parts of it that ticked on by and others that had me waiting for what felt like a long time. I think that’s why I love “Share Four Somethings” so much. It is a way to capture bits of our month to share. Here are a few moments from my November:
Something Loved
“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.'” Luke 5:26 (NIV)
After being away for a month, I counted the days until I was able to return to visit my daughter and family. Was it ever worth the wait! The hugs, the laughs, the adventures, all balm for my soul! What fun it was to be there to help put up their new Christmas tree. I loved every minute! As I looked back through the pictures I took, I realized that I’d captured the pure wonder only a child can bring. And isn’t that exactly what the Christmas Season is all about?
Something Read or Said
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT)
Lament. I’ve done my share of it in the past few months. I know many of you have too. When I came upon these words this month that Lisa Appelo shared on her Instagram page, it felt as if time stopped for a moment while I caught my breath. “Wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness” is exactly what I’ve been experiencing but just couldn’t put into words myself. What a gift when God uses someone else’s to encourage and reassure me!
Something Treasured
“A friend loves at all times” Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)
I’ve talked about them before, my heart friends that I couldn’t do life without. This month we gathered for a delicious brunch and lively conversation. When we took our seats at the table each of found a keepsake at our place. The framed photo may remind us that we’ve aged a bit, but it’s also a treasure that shows that true friendship is timeless.
Something Ahead
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 (NLT)
There she stands, waiting. Waiting for Christmas to fill each branch and change her. I’m looking forward in this Advent season to spending time in Scripture and readings, preparing my heart to celebrate the Babe in the manger, letting the pure wonder of Christmas that only He brings, change me, too.
Well, that’s it for another month. How’d you spend your time? I’d love to know your Four Somethings for November! You can share them with me in the comments. I wish you a Very Blessed Christmas. Let’s not forget to cherish every minute!
We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected. Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.
My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now. His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
Share Four Somethings
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
~Something Loved~
As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own. I’ve been here ever since.
There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances. The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
~Something Read~
Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)
~Something Treasured~
As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.
Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!
Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!
“He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for morning and the time for dancing,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (GNT)
~Something Ahead~
Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!
Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet.. I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.
August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”
I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month. I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below. You will be glad you did!
“Smile, when you think you can’t. Smile, get up and dance. Smile, there’s a bigger plan. The storm only lasts for a while. So smile!” The Sidewalk Prophets Photo credit to Claire Cottrill Photography
Facelift
Recently, I was invited to an on-line cosmetics party and the hostess asked a question about our biggest skin concern. My immediate response was, “I can only choose one?” But, out of the choices she offered, my answer was “wrinkles.” Spending time in the sun and the passing years show on my face. Some might say I’m in need of a facelift. You know, where they pull your saggy skin back and in the process give you a perpetual smile? No thank you! But the truth is, I do often need another kind of facelift. One that’s not given because of time in the sun, but rather, one that is the result of time with the SON!
“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” 2 Corinthians 6:8-10a (NLT)
Life is hard. You and I know that things don’t always go our way. Friends betray us. Jobs are lost. The world shuts down. Dreams feel out of reach. People die. We could spend all day adding to the list. And when I’m faced with worries, fears, and challenges? My face shows it. It’s not just my skin that sags, but my mouth droops, eyebrows slump, and my demeanor, well it just wilts, taking those around me down with it. You see, unlike the disciples, who, by the way, knew all about how hard life can be, I lose sight of joy. I need a face lift! Been there?
Throughout the Bible the disciples show us what it means to live with joy. Now you might be thinking, “Cindy, no one is happy all the time.” I agree. Joy and happiness though, are two different things. Being happy results from what’s happening around us. Always having joy, comes from the Spirit inside us. I’ll bet you’re like me and can name people in your lives who like the disciples, have experienced tragedy and yet rejoice. They’re the ones who remind us, that in the midst of our biggest concerns, we can still smile by lifting our face to the Son.
“Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Think about things of heaven, not things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
I continue to learn (yes, it takes me a while) that it’s all about perspective. If I stand too long in front of the mirror (focused on myself), all I see are the wrinkles of life. But a face lifted from the imperfections, heavenward toward Jesus’ perfection, allows us to echo Paul’s words above in 2 Corinthians 6:10, “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.” Always, my friends! And that’s the uplifting way we want to face life and to share with others. Let me leave you with these words:
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15: 13 (NLT)
Now, if that doesn’t give you a everlasting smile, I don’t know what will!
“Oh, I wish I had long, straight hair like her instead of my wild, curly hair.” “How could I let myself get this heavy when they look so slim and fit?” “I can’t speak in front of them. They know much more about the Bible than I do.” Why would anyone want to read what I write when there are so many better bloggers than me?” “They wouldn’t be my friends if they knew how many more times I fail than they do.”
Comparison. To be honest, it’s been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember and I always end up feeling I come up short. It’s easy, especially with social media, to find someone who appears prettier, thinner, smarter, wiser, or more talented and successful than I am. Ever been there? Jumping in and spending time in the comparison pool is just like treading water. It gets you no where fast and is exhausting! The longer we stay there the more shriveled our souls feel and our joy truly is swept away with the tide.
Try as I might to avoid immersing myself in all the ways I don’t measure up, I somehow seem to dip my toes in and before I know it I’m being pulled under. Why? It’s hard to stay afloat when I’m weighted down with me, me, me.
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
I’m not there yet, but I am beginning to realize that God never intended for us to compare ourselves to one another. He created each of us, just the way we are, to do His perfect will. Stop for a minute. Just think about that…..The things that we may wish to change are the same things God gave us with a purpose. Switching our focus from “me of this world” to “God has a plan for me in this world” offers us relief from drowning in comparison. We’re not supposed to be like anyone else! Let that sink in.
I had to take a break from this post and come back today because as I wrote these words on Wednesday I became disappointed with myself for not being able to tell you I have this comparison thing whipped. I. Don’t. Knowing comparison is not what God wants for me and doing it anyway makes me just plain frustrated with myself! Do you have similar struggles? I’m glad to say that since beginning this Wise Wednesday post, God has reminded me that our transformation doesn’t happen quickly. It’s a lifetime process. My prayer today is that we become more aware of those things, like comparison, that keep us from seeing who we really are and that we’re able to change the way we think so we can joyfully splash in the good and pleasing will of God!
Oh……to allow myself to live with the joy of the front row………that is my desire!
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (BSB) picturequotes.com
