[the parameters: Gypsy Mama supplies the topic, writers type an unedited five minutes, add button, & publish. enjoy!]
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Joy, huh?
Joy is my middle name, the ironic birthright, since joy is what I often lack and seldom think I give. I'm getting glimpses, though.
I've always looked around me for the happy things, the little beauties. One Thousand Gifts gave me a structure for my habit, and disciplining it is helping, dosing me with joy, with slow-down, with how-to-thank-for-sharp-things.
So joy is choosing. Whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - to find these traits in everything, and think on them. The ugly is so obvious, sometimes. The admirable takes some searching, but always worth the hunt.
Joy when the baby whines - that he can, that he's here, that he's not always whining.
Joy when the husband's late - that he works, that he called, that it's home he's coming to, and not away.
Joy when the daughters fight - that they love, deep down, that they listen when I admonish, that they care enough to fight.
Joy when friends are silent - that they're there, still, for me to touch, that they forgive, that we forget and move on.
Joy when supper burns and my temper flies away again - that we have food, that God gives grace, that life goes on and tomorrow is a new day, a fresh start, a clean slate, "with no mistakes written on it yet."
....the five minutes fled.
"Joy is choosing." A good mantra for today... thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love that each day is clean slate with no mistakes written on it yet! I'm going to start saying that with my kids!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could take credit for that quote - I've always loved it, too. I remember it from the Anne of Green Gables movie - her beloved teacher is walking with her, dispensing wisdom before they each move on in life, and she reminds impulsive Anne that each day is a new chance for good. I would go so far as to say each hour (each minute?) is an opportunity to start over!
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