It’s that time of
year. Everyone is making resolutions to
make their life healthier, less-stressed, happier, etc… I’ve made resolutions
in the past and could have a laundry-list of things I need to do better in 2015
such as:
- prepare healthier meals
- be more consistent in my
quiet time and prayer life
- learn more patience
- keep the house cleaner
and de-cluttered
- be more consistent with
my exercise routine
- make friends
- establish a daily
schedule to increase productivity at home
- worry less
- procrastinate less
- be bolder in sharing the
gospel
Truly, the list could go on
and on. I have much to improve upon. So
this year I’m keeping it simple - I am choosing joy.
2014 has been a long, somewhat
trying year. First there was the frozen
tundra that became the Midwest. So much cold. So much snow and ice. So little
sun. In January I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. My already
somewhat fragile kidneys (thank you spinal birth defect) have been damaged due
to too many UTIs. And though I’m following doctor’s orders, my numbers aren’t
stable (up one month, down the next) and that’s frustrating me. Don’t worry I’m not actively dying just not
where I want to be. Almost two years
into life in northeast MO I know a ton of people but I have no truly close girlfriends
- no one I talk to or see on a regular basis. No one I hang out with or do stuff with. I’m finding that that’s causing
much heartache for my extraverted self. I was in the hospital for ovarian cyst torsion
for several days. While I’m OK and
thankfully cancer-free, it was yet another reminder of my broken body and just how
fleeting health is. Ministry-wise, we’ve not seen the visible fruit we’d like to
see. That’s really, really bothered James, which inturn bothers me. Hudson’s super independent two
year old spirit brings its own challenges.
I have focused on negatives a lot this year and it’s caused much solemnness. That’s not the testimony I want to have.
So I am choosing joy.
I have a Savior who loves
me, died for me, and lives again interceding on my behalf. That’s cause for joy.
I have a husband who loves
me. Seven years this May. That’s cause for joy.
I have a son. A strong, independent, spirited son who is
growing up so fast it makes my head hurt.
Today he told me that it’s currently winter and will be spring next.
Where did he learn this? That’s cause for joy.
I have a sweet church, a
group of believers striving to love the Lord more each day. That’s cause for joy.
I have friends back home
who listen to me babble for hours (literally) on the phone as an outlet for my loneliness. That’s cause for joy.
Making traditional
resolutions would help me in my endeavor to live more joyfully, but they aren’t
the end in themselves - just the means so I’m not going to focus obsessively on
them. Rather, I am being intentional in
looking for the joy in life. I have much
about which to be joyful.
Do not be grieved - the joy of the Lord is your
strength.
- Nehemiah 8:10b
Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take
refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult.
- Psalm 64:10
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed
spirit dries up the bones.
- Proverbs 17:22
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
- Romans 15:13
