Can’t Steal My Joy

I find myself lately, gathering the wool of a year, nearing it’s end. Despite widespread lamentation in the world, I count the joys.

Renewed appreciation for our loved ones and the value of relationships.. This year has brought all our children to the haven of our home, many friends and my youngest brother, who I’ve only seen once in the last 5 years. Our eldest daughter and her family, packed up their lives up north and moved a mere 50 minutes away. We are for the first time, every day grandparents to her two children and for the first time since we’ve moved here, we have family to be an everyday part of ours.

No lack or want… We’ve enjoyed for the most part, good health and a freedom that many have not as we never really shut down here. Our every need has been met these many months. We’ve had comfort, shelter and have not known lack or hunger. We never even ran out of toilet paper! Lol

Beauty and wonder remain… I’ve enjoyed the spectral beauty of each season fully, hiking forested mountains in the spring, swimming in the lake on hot summer days and frolicking in autumns fallen leaves.

Playing in the leaves with my grandkids just 2 weeks ago. Funny how fleeting, the glory of Fall, how quickly it gives way to winters muted tones and frigid clime.

Not even the approach of my 60th birthday soon, nor the way it tatters and frays my fabric that once was youth, can steal my joy.

Have we had our share of hardships?  Sure! We’ve had mild bouts of illness and we suffered and suffer still, the loss of twin grandbabies. I’ve grown to understand that although I am blessed and highly favored of the L-rd, I also live in this place. This place was not where we were created for nor to inhabit this fragile flesh. This is not heaven. I am no greater that I should be spared the hardships and tragedies this world offers to all human kind. Indeed, there is a season for everything and we see them all.

Ecclesiastes 3. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…

Perhaps the key to happiness is choosing it…choosing what to hold on to and what to let go. Counting only our blessings without accounting of loss. I choose…joy.

“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9-10)

Always with Love – Laura💗