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