Joy

I've committed myself to joy.

"These are the things I've spoken to you

so that My joy may be in you,

and that your joy may be full."

-John 15:11

Not every moment, of every day are there circumstances surrounding me that make feel joyful. That's ok. It's not just a feeling, it's a decision. It's an instruction. Sometimes I'm tired, or stressed or overwhelmed or attacked. I could walk around complaining of my tiredness, or I could remember that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I could remember that He gave me His joy, and it's complete. I could allow thankfulness to arise to bring forth joy. That's what I'm committed to. I'm gonna notice the little things and remember the big things..

..his chubby toes

..the way his little hands move to try to touch my face while I'm feeding him

..all of those little girls that laugh so often and sound so much like me

..the silly songs that are constantly being composed and performed

..the curls that will never stay back in her pony tail, and insist on surling daintily around her face

..the insanity of bedtime and the constant "one more kiss mommy"

..the way she holds her little brother and talks to him so tenderly, just like a momma would

..those round, brown eyes that watch me so intently to do just what I'm doing

..home from work kisses and the way he smells when he comes in from a long day

..tickle fights

..innocent questions and innocent answers when I hear them talking about God late at night

..early mornings

..late nights

..text messages

..whispered I love you's

..shed blood

..resurrected life

..the most precious gift

.... and I am gonna say, Thank you God. You have given me joy complete.