Way back at the beginning of the year, many bloggers chose one word to be their focus for the year, like a resolution.
Mine has been JOY.
It’s a tiny word, but it’s a mighty word. God has used it to teach me and encourage me this year. Who knew three letters strung together could change my perspective?
I love this quote about joy from Kay Warren:
“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
Joy can change my perspective because joy is a choice. <<Click to Tweet
Over at my blog, I’ve been writing about joy this year. I’ve put together a playlist and kept an ongoing list of joys on my phone. I’ve read scriptures on joy. On social media, I’ve been posting #choosingJOY moments.
While circumstances change, the foundation of joy that only God can give doesn’t waiver.
We’ve been in a season of transition around my house. In the spring, my husband moved his main office and opened a new office. In May, we met a local birth mom through a friend and have been working with her to make an adoption plan for the baby girl she’s expecting soon. During the summer, we readied our house for this baby girl. In April, we sold one lake house and then in June bought another one. Oh, and my son just started kindergarten.
All the while, I’ve tried to look past the boxes that have needed to be moved from one place to another and remember that all the work doesn’t have to come before play. I’ve sorted through baby things and prepared to bring a new life into our home. And I also made sure that this summer, my kids and I spent afternoons at the pool, met friends for lunch, and did other fun things together. We’ve gotten several opportunities to hang out at our new happy place on the lake.
Sure, I’ve had many things on my mind. I’ve needed a notebook with ongoing lists of what to do at the lake house and for the baby, but I’ve also continued counting joys on a list I realize will never end.
Change used to terrify me. I’d dig in my heels and resist it.
But I’m seeing the beauty in seasons. I’m realizing joy is lasting because God is faithful to work all things together for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).
Where have you seen joy lately? Instagram has been my favorite place to document #choosingJOY, but I’ve been using the hashtag on Facebook and Twitter too. I’d love for you to join me with #choosingJOY moments of your own.
Kristin believes in seeking God as the author of every story. You’ll quickly learn her favorite story to tell is how God created her family through adoption after a hard season of infertility. God continues to surprise her – in the best kind of way – with all the ways her life is nothing like she expected. She lives in Murray, Kentucky, with her husband, Greg, and two kids – Cate and Ben. Read her #FaithStoryHERE.