Joy in the Big
I started a blessing journal about four years ago which helps me say “thank You” and remember that every good thing I have comes from God. I’ve been mindfully trying to find joy in those things this year. Here are just a few:
Waking up next to my best friend every morning. Having a few extra minutes to share a laugh, pray together and cuddle before beginning our day. Sitting next to him on the couch, drinking a cup of delicious coffee while we watch the weather together for five minutes. It’s may be only five minutes but it’s time together before we both go our separate ways.
While I would welcome any child into our household, I’m blessed that God chose me to be the mother of these children. Taking a minute to truly appreciate each of their unique personalities, traits and gifts that make up “them.” Whether they still live in our home all the time or come home to visit, I treasure the times we have together to make new memories.
Joy in the excitement that comes from welcoming a new puppy into the family. We have been waiting for this addition to our family for seven years. God told us to wait at that time, and in October 2021 He handpicked our newest addition: Sierra. She joins her aussiedoodle “brother,” and they seem to get along really well. She’s smart, wants to learn, energetic but cuddly and is a wonderful new family member. Her nickname is “Jello” because she melts right into you when you pick her up. She’s going to be big though, if you look at the size of her paws, so it’ll be interesting how much longer we can carry her around!
I used to struggle with finding joy in my work because I have the heart of a stay at home mom. However, I am truly grateful for my many bosses, I enjoy the variety of what I do and even the challenges that help me grow and develop my skills. I enjoy the people I’ve met and while I’m busier than I’d like (I’m prayfully talking to God about how to change that going into 2022), I am grateful for understanding bosses and my flexible schedule which allows me to pick up our son from school every day.
While I still don’t completely know the path God has planned regarding my ministry, He has been revealing more and more. And while the unknown can be scary or cause worry, I am choosing joy in the moment – joy in each article or blog or book I get to write, joy in the podcast that Kara Hunt and I began at the beginning of this year, joy in the connections I make with people God puts on my path, and joy in the journey.
Joy in the moments I get to spend with extended family. There is no guarantee of tomorrow for any of us, and I want to live a life of no regrets. God has been gently reminding me of the blessing of relationships. In 2016, He told me to stop writing and invest that time in my family. I think it was to teach me to slow down and take time for the people I love. I have tried to remain intentional about keeping family first, choosing not to be swept up in the overwhelmingly busyness of life. There is a time to work hard and there is also a time to play… and playing can be quite fun.
What are some of the “bigs” in your life that bring joy?
© Cheri Swalwell 2021