Friday, August 31, 2007

Choosing Joy

It seemed like a dream, too good to be true...
We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune.
We were the talk of the nations— "God was wonderful to them!"
God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people.
Psalm 126:1-3 (The Message)

We had a terrific afternoon. The children awoke from their naps refreshed and were greeted by a calm, smiling, loving mother. (No, I didn't hire a stand-in...it was really me.) The difference? Perspective, rest, a gracious God who answers honest prayers from His needy children and choosing joy.

Today was fraught with challenges. Life is often fraught with challenges. I can choose to focus on all that is going wrong or I can step back, catch my breath and choose to focus on all that is right and good.

Tonight we took the children to a high school football game. We were a bit more laid back than usual. The boys went dressed in jerseys while K proudly sported a cheerleading outfit. We laughed together. My husband & I tried to take in the whole experience through their eyes. The band. The cheerleaders. The mascot. The hotdogs. Oh yeah, the game. It was a great outing.

Tomorrow morning we head South to my parents' house for the day. Sunday my in-laws will be here for a visit. Monday will be spent enjoying the last day at the pool.

I resolve to relax, to laugh, to smile...to choose joy.

5 comments:

Rmomof3 said...

As today was our YUCKY day, you are giving me hope for tomorrow!
Sweet blessings for a precious weekend!

Renee

A Place For Ministry Wives/A Place For Me said...

Glad it was a better day.

Linda said...

It is amazing what a change in perspective will do. Thanks for the reminder.
Blessings

Keri said...

I'm SO sorry about that nightmare of a day that you had on Thursday...but so glad that God gave you a new, better day and a new, better perspective for Friday!

And the football game sounds like a LOT of fun!!!

Leslie said...

Glad it was a better day...

♥ ♥ ♥

(I am just so impressed that you take them on adventures like you do! I was going to take Jack to a concert last night...by myself. Daddy went to the Razorback game and I knew Jack would have loved the music. But FEAR of him rushing the stage kept me from going! The trio are experiencing so much...they won't remember all the accidents or problems. They'll just remember the good stuff.)