Joy
I love this perspective of my granite countertops reflecting the sign on my mantle. The truth is my house is a mess. Literally. This week we are having our old flooring removed so that we can put in new hardwoods. This has been a dream of mine for years as our old carpet outlived its prime a decade ago. I have waited for this a long time.
Tearing up the old foundation of any structure is a mess. I am living in that now. The dust and disorder is enough to drive me mad and make me forget what my goals are. We have moved our “stuff” around over and over again to make room for the new changes. But, this is necessary in order to build the new. Dreams are hard to make happen. They can be very messy and scary. Perhaps that is why we put them off for so long. We don’t want to endure the unfamiliar feelings of change.
We often opt for what is familiar and easy instead of doing the hard work of pursuing our dreams. I know I do.
Sometimes we just have to shift our perspective. That is why I am choosing to look at my den from this vantage point and choose joy. We are living in dust and disorder but I see joy and beauty here. We can always find something to be grateful for. Always. And when we choose joy? Joy finds us.
I have my eye on the prize. This time next week I hope to see new shiny floors taking the place of dirt and dust. I hope to share the new results here.
Choosing joy tonight. Tomorrow holds another very messy day.
Philippians 3:12-14 ~”Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
4 Comments
Oh my goodness – going through the same thing… that seems to happen often when I am following you. Here’s to choosing JOY! Thanks for sharing!
Yes! Choose joy–this has been God’s message to me for some months now. It’s something I need reminding of, but I think it’s finally starting to sink into my heart. I can *choose* joy, it’s a choice and an intention, and it takes an effort of my will to exercise that choice. Yet, as I obey and make the choice, it becomes easier to do over time. And in those moments when it’s still hard to choose?–it helps me to know and to have experienced the joyful results in the past, and gives me faith to keep making that choice even when it’s a struggle. Thank you for sharing and reminding me!
I just want to thank you for sharing your lovely gifts: your photography, writing, insights, with strangers. I’m usually only following one blog at any given time (if that), and I’ve settled on yours this year as a calm place of daily reflection. Thank you, daughter of our Father.
Yes, indeed, count it all JOY! I, too, have a dream of hardwoods someday!! In the mean time enjoying a beautiful turquoise area rug given to me as a Christmas gift from my children! Like walking in a pool of water. Complete surprise…hmmm…joy comes in unexpected waves. Thank you for your posts! I look so forward to them. They add such grace to my days.