Joy in the Ordinary -Part Two
Joy in the ordinary things is there for us to see if we will only look. Carol reminds us that Jesus wants us to come to him like little children.
How have you experienced joy in life? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Joy In the Ordinary Things of Life
Finding those puzzle pieces called joy, happiness, hope, and fun can be a challenge at times. But there are so many other pieces that pop up that can help us learn a lesson, change our attitude, and cause a chuckle. Some of the things help remind us of Scripture verses, offer encouragement, and the enjoyment of a story.
I love to tell stories and find inspiration for anecdotes all around me. Sometimes I share them with others but for a long time I just journaled them, wrote them on slips of paper, or typed the idea into my computer only to have them lost in the mess. Now I am sorting and sharing them with others so they can bring encouragement and maybe, at times, a smile to others. At other times they may trigger a fun memory or help you look around for those glimmers of hope and glimpses of joy in the world around you—those bright pieces amid the shadows.
hopestreamradio · Joy In The Ordinary Part 2
A Child Brought Joy
Can you remember a time where a child brought some joy into your life just by being themselves? I have a three-year old grandson who loves to play with his cars and trucks, colour, look at books, and be a helper now. I don’t get to see him as often as I might like but his parents always send photos and video clips of things he is attempting, mastering, and enjoying. I remember when my other grandchildren were little and could be amused by an overturned stool which became a vehicle of their imagination. Remember stomping through puddles just because they were there. Maybe it was building a fort out of blankets when the weather dictated staying in the house. Who needs fancy toys when there is a pot and wooden spoon to make noise like a drum or an empty box to climb in and out of or drag around the house. Little ones can find pleasure in the simple things of life.
Today I want to share another little story that reminded me of a teaching in Scripture and even re-looking at it has brought a smile to my face as I remembered the incident.
Time to Be a Child
I had a ten o’clock appointment just a few houses down the street. With my hand on the door knob and the clock inching closer to ten, I turned back to shove a house key into my pocket. Finally, as the clock hands nudged ten I closed the door behind me and rushed along the sidewalk hoping not to arrive at my destination too much after the appointed time.
I saw my friend‘s four-year old daughter bounce on the sidewalk in front of her house, waving her arms. I got closer and saw a huge smile light up her face before she turned to her little brother and shouted, “Look! Look! She’s coming!”
She ran a few steps toward me, turned and ran back towards her mom and brother, then back towards me. After one more glance back at mom, she turned and ran with reckless abandon, arms outspread until she propelled herself at me, fully expecting to be caught in a hug. She hung on, leaning her head into me, savouring the affection as she prattled on about all of us going to the park.
An Appointment With a Four Year Old
Keeping an appointment with a four-year old, her little brother, and their mom for an outing to the playground was a simple pleasure. There were hugs in abundance, delightful antics and childish chatter to fill the rest of my morning and imprint memories for later reflection. My housework waited for another time. It always waits but childhood passes in a blur.
Later, as I reflected on that morning, I asked myself, “Do I run with reckless abandon, my delight and joy bubbling over, to the Friend who is without equal? Do I throw myself totally unhindered and trusting into His outstretched arms knowing He will never fail to catch me? Do I let the housework and other obligations of life wait or do I let my childhood with the heavenly Father pass me by?
A Ministry Time With Jesus
In Luke 18 Jesus is teaching the crowd gathered around Him. Verses 15-17 (New Century Version) tell us what happened in the middle of this important ministry time.
“Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that He could touch them. When the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. But Jesus called the little children to Him and said to His followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these little children. I tell you the truth, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child, or you will never enter it!”
Come Like a Child
Jesus calls us to come like a little child unencumbered by the weight of this world and the pressures of our daily lives. He longs for us to enjoy His company and let Him care for us. Are we ready to take time to be a child?
How can you look for joy in the ordinary, find simple pleasures to add some brightness to your day, or remember a story that tickles your funny bone? Now how can you share those glimpses of joy with someone else.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope. She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
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