Filled with Joy
Do you think you need to wait till your circumstances are just right to be full of joy?
When my children were small, I didn’t think that there would ever be a time that I wasn’t changing diapers, nursing, or waking up in the middle of the night. But my wise mother used to say “This too shall pass.” AND it did.
Be encouraged by this short video:
Now as my adult children launch into the world, I miss the times that I could hold them in my arms. It was much easier to wipe away their tears.
It is bittersweet being a mom of adult children. I rejoice in the wonder of launching children into adulthood. Yet, I miss the everyday struggle of being a mom of little ones.
Yesterday, my college daughters arrived for Spring break in Hannah’s car. They drove the whole way having “sister-time.” We sat on the couch and cuddled watching a movie. It felt like old times – but not really. Everything has changed.
As long as we are in this world, we will experience change. But change does not need to stop the flow of joy. Joy is a fountain of life that flows from God Himself.
So this morning as my children sleep in our condo, I reminisce about the old days of when they were young. When I never had enough time for myself…
I know that I have to let go of the past, live in the present, and lay hold of the future. I remind myself of this verse:
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 NLT.
We never reach the perfect stage of life. We are always letting go of wonderful things in life to reach forward to the next season.
I am filled with Joy when…
… I let go of the past, but cherish it’s sweetness.
… I live in the present, and embrace the new normal.
… I lay hold of the future, with hope and expectation.
#LifeGivingLinkup Time
We all need encouragement. No matter what stage of life, we need others to share the journey with us. We don’t want to be alone. It’s more fun together.
Sometimes, I experience lonely days. Days when I need encouragement. If you are an author, speaker, blogger you know what I mean. You began your blog to encourage others, but sometimes you feel alone.
It doesn’t need to stay that way! Let’s Linkup in a life-giving journey of encouraging each other.
Here is How a #LifeGivingLinkup Works:
1. Link up you life-giving & encouraging post with the button below.
2. If you haven’t begun your blog, leave an encouragement in the comments for others.
3. Visit other blogs on this linkup and leave a comment on the post linked up before yours.
Let’s encourage each other!
Sue
My daughter is getting married in a couple of months and it is truly bittersweet. I love having her at home, but it’s time for her to fly and make her own little nest. Your message is just what I need to be reminded of every day–live in the present, rejoice in the sweet days of the past, and look forward with hope to the future. Such an encouraging post, Sue. Thanks so much. And for the link-up, too!
Thanks Sabra… Yes, motherhood is bittersweet… Launching our children is a joy… yet, I find the tears running down my cheeks as I remember the early days.
Hi Sue, thanks for sharing and inviting me to the linkup. I added some of my posts about how God is with us in any situation even when we feel alone. Hope to read more about you. Love and Blessings,
Tayrina from TGAWrites
That’s fabulous Tayrina!
Hi Sue, I saw your post on Twitter – so great to connect through your blog. I’m in Plano and we attend Bent Tree Bible. Welcome to Dallas! Heading to link up now 🙂
Kim Stewart
http://www.kimstewartinspired.com
Let’s get together soon! I’m in Branson Missouri with 4 of my children and mom for Spring Break. They are all happily asleep.
Sue, I tried to link up but I see links through #17 but no ‘add your link’ to click?
Kim, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I feel like such a novice with building a linkup 🙂 Let me know if you can add your link now.
I also tried to link up but there is no add your link button after #17.
Hey Lisa! Thanks for trying. I hope to get this working so I can host a linkup every Monday. Can you try again and let me know if it is working now?
It worked! Thank you. I look forward to stopping by all the blogs linked up. What a wonderful way to encourage each other.
Same boat with the link:(
Thanks Julie… Love your cute picture… Let me know if Link is working now!
Thank you for these refreshing words today, Sue:
“As long as we are in this world, we will experience change. But change
does not need to stop the flow of joy. Joy is a fountain of life that
flows from God Himself.”
I have a hard time with change, and an even harder time not looking back. God has been doing an amazing work in my heart and mind. It’s reminders like the ones you provided in this post that help me stay on the path He has laid out before me, even if that includes uncomfortable change.
Blessed by your words and this new opportunity to connect with other women of the faith. 🙂
Thanks Tina! Building relationships are powerful! See you next Monday!
Great truths here Sue! Glad I saw you on Twitter!
Let’s stay connected Ellen!
Hey Sue! First time on your blog! First I must say love the site, the design, layout, etc. very eye catching and not over done. Loved your video I can tell what an awesome encourager you are! And this is what I needed: … I let go of the past, but cherish it’s sweetness. I live in the present, and embrace the new normal, I lay hold of the future, with hope and expectation. Great word! Blessings to you fellow writer and speaker.
Thanks Holly — you are an encourager too! I receive it.
“It is bittersweet being a mom of adult children. I rejoice in the wonder of launching children into adulthood. Yet, I miss the everyday struggle of being a mom of little ones.” Oh yes, bittersweet indeed. And my adult children have been going through some hard stuff lately. We really, truly never stop being a mom. It’s one of the most beautiful things we do but the hardest thing. Great encouragement. Love your link-up. I’m not writing much these days but a joy to come read your words. Blessings.
How true! We never stop being a mom! I’m praying for you today… The tough stuff that adult children go through is harder to talk about than changing diapers or potty training… Be gentle on yourself 🙂
Thanks Sue for allowing me to add my blog to the Link up! Looking forward to reading your blog as well as the other inspirational ones that are listed. 🙂
Sue! Thanks for being awesome. Your words are so encouraging in a time when stress can gab hold of you refuse to let go! It’s so helpful to be reminded that no matter how tough life gets we can always remember and feel that joy! What a precious gift this is. I’m a mom to a one year old baby girl, and I thank you for these true and much needed words!
Thank you for this encouragement Sue! I have been going through a time of examine my past in order to use it in my present and future. It’s been a journey of actually letting go of things I was holding onto but also bring them into the present in a useful way to glorify God! It’s all part of me pressing on toward the call God has placed on my life 🙂
Hi, Sue. thanks for the invite to your blog! You are an inspiration. My blog, donejustwrite.com is a place to find a good book, great tips on writing, and delight to discover God in even the mundane things of life. I hope to be an encouragement to others, and thanks for allowing me to my blog to the Link up.
Sure! It’s great to have you! I just wrote another blog post today that you can link to 🙂 http://wp.me/p4bcvt-Sx