Have you ever walked into someones home and knew right away there was no joy? The house is cold, uncomfortable, and everyone seems to be walking on pins and needles. I have been in many homes like this and I could not wait to leave.
One goal for my life was to create a home that people could be comfortable in. A home full of laughter, and joy. I am so blessed that my husband feels the same way. It is so important to be able to find the joy in every situation. If we can find joy in all the little trials of life then pure happiness is bound to follow. Trials make us stronger, it shows what our true character is. If we have faith in God, it is a time to celebrate, knowing that our faith will be growing.
Sometimes it is all in how we handle a crisis. What is our heart attitude? Can we accept the situation and make the best of it? I am going to take this opportunity to tell you a true story about my family. This is a story of faith, determination keeping laughter, finding joy, and total heart attitude.
My husband was in a very bad accident recently. He has been named an incomplete paralization case. Now I see many people facing similar trials and they are mad at God. They are hurt, scared, and angry. Their heart attitude is turned totally upon themselves and everything they can no longer do. Now we are all human and this is a totally normal reaction. I have no idea how I would handle this. But now let me tell you my husbands heart attitude.
The first few days after the accident he was out of his mind on drugs. They were trying to keep him comfortable. He would wake up in a panic realizing he couldn't move his legs. After a few days they took him off the mind altering drugs and then he had to come to terms with his new reality. It was hard to wrap his mind around all of this at first. But after quick evaluation and putting things in perspective his heart attitude was one of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving for his life. Thanksgiving that his mind was fully operational. He started thinking about all the other people that were having trouble too. He started getting to know these people, encouraging them and trying to lighten their load. I could see that he started thinking outside himself and allowed his experience to help him help others through their hard time.
Then he started to have a heart attitude of joy. He would start to get frustrated if he couldn't do something and we would just laugh it off, and find a new way to do it. He is always seen with a smile on his face and an encouraging word on his lips.
When I look at what he is going through and how he can find joy in this trial, it makes me look at my own life and realize that true happiness is about finding the joy.. no matter what. I guess the reality check is this.... how do you want to spend your life? How do you want people to remember you?
My family is choosing to find joy in every situation. We laugh together, we are silly together, and we are always thankful for all the opportunities we have to discover joy in all the little things of life. It is so important, especially while your children are young, to allow them see you happy. Let them see that even though things may seem bad for you or your family, that you can over come it and be thankful for the opportunity to grow.
When your children see how you handle adversity, they will be forever affected by your actions. Be careful as you live your life and guard your heart not allowing grumbling and complaining to enter into it. Let your child see you be silly with them. Give them permission to be happy, to giggle, to feel comfortable enough in your home and in your presence to let their joy shine through. What a blessing to hear a child giggle. There is nothing better!
Please share your stories of finding joy, or share a burden that you would like prayer for.
