Read, enjoy and RESPOND. One of the things I can use in my life is accountability. You can help keep me honest, keep me thinking, keep me growing toward the person God intends me to be.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Finding Joy

As I walked this evening I listened to my friend, Patrick, talk about joy. He took great pains to point out that it is not happiness. Happiness is not bad in any way, but it is only superficial. Joy is soul deep and our safe harbour even when happiness is no where to be found. Joy is our safety and our hope. Joy is knowing that God knows us...and loves us to distraction anyway...and wants us to know him and the joy he assures us.
Having married late and only tallied up 10 years so far I am still often surprised by the joy being married to my husband brings me. Just last night, I woke up only enough to turn over and in doing so, brushed against the sturdy, warm presence of my husband. In that instant I was filled with the joy of having him there, sleeping quietly beside me (yes, he was not snoring at just this perfect moment...) and I was filled with joy. It was a physical sensation and I went back to sleep with a smile on my face and joy in my heart!
Where did you find your joy today?

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lovely Children

Yesterday was one of "those" days. A member of our extended school "family" was killed in a horrific traffic accident. At lunch, my aide went home and found out that her father, who has been ill, had taken a turn for the worse and they wanted the family there. Another aide had to be taken home with complications of her diabetes. One of those days.
Today at recess, on Fun Friday, one of my lovely children decided to make a card for Miss Teresa, who was not back yet today. She decorated the front and went to everyone in the class explaining who it was for and why and getting them to sign it for her. She was so careful to get everyone. She was so happy to have something to give. All she asked of me was to mail it to Miss Teresa. Stevie delivered it and when Teresa got home she was so touched she had her husband call to thank me...and he could hardly talk either. Ahhh.
Another little darling comes in first thing, hugs me, looks up and says, "I'm so glad I got to come today. I love you." I love you, too, B.
Another was still thrilled with her day when she got home, singing, "I love Fun Friday, I love Fun Friday."
No wonder Jesus said to let the little children come to him.
What a great way to spend a day.
Oh, and the birds were singing this morning and the sun was out!
Thank you, Lord!