Joy, a feeling of contentment with life and gratitude for what we have. After the past few days of unintentionally being overcome by stress, impatience and anger, I was reminded by the saying, "Be Still". I commented how I have not been able to be still lately, to step back and breathe. Each day we face a mountain of changes, challenges, possibilities for joy or sadness, it is our choice how we react to the situations at hand. I need to improve on my reactions and need to be held accountable. Thus, I am stepping back each evening, with you, and looking back at the joy in my day.
Today, I had to make a decision regarding an outdoor party we had been planning and the weather brought challenges mid-day, later to discover we could have had our celebration after all. What gift this challenge, obstacle give me? I was given an evening at home with my children with absolutely no plans (rare these days). The weather ended up okay, so I gathered up my courage (well, technically it was a lighter, starter log and S'more making supplies) and took on making my first ever campfire in our new backyard. We moved this spring and were blessed with a fire circle in our backyard...the only thing was, I had never started a fire, someone had always been there to do it for me. Even tonight, the outdoor party was going to have others that I planned to turn to for help. I was filled with joy, as I watching the fire burn, the kids faces illuminate with smiles, giggles and the golden light from the flames.
Had the weather earlier in the day not provided me with challenges, I would not have found this unplanned joy in my backyard tonight. Just a reminder that as much as we plan our days, lives, Saturday nights, we need not be discouraged by change, but find the joy in it.
This is so true. I'm glad you had such a wonderful night despite the challenges. I love the last line of your blog, "find the joy in it." It reminded me of Pollyanna, "you must find something to be glad about." :)
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