My One Word 2021 journey with JOY, reaches the seven month mile marker in just 10 more days. Some days wooed me like a whirlwind romance while others left me stranded at the altar. But every day JOY speaks to those who listen. Focusing on plumbing the depths of this tiny word kept me from celebrating JOY in the ordinary moments of my life. Linger with me a bit while I refocus on the exquisite joys I so often take for granted.
A charter member of “Overachiever’s Anonymous”, sadly, I faltered between an attitude of accomplishment and an attitude of abiding curiosity from the start of my Joy Journey. Frankly, much of my overachieving rests as much with my thirst for learning as it does with my identity seeking drive for accomplishment. Still, the best lessons so far came from times of abiding; a lingering in fellowship with my word companion.
life happens in the ordinary moments
Working in hospice and palliative care often reminds me of the brevity of life. While we serve a large elderly demographic, we likewise serve more young adults and pediatric patients than I like to think about.
Facilitating a life review is one of the ways we bring comfort to the dying patient and family. Everyone finds solace in a life well-lived; believing you made a difference by leaving your footprint on this earth.
Often in life, those seemingly ordinary moments hold the most extraordinary meaning.
Ken Poirot
These life reviews, often painful, always poignant contain ordinary moments made extraordinary by the passing of time. Excepting the pediatric population, most contain a hunger for more of the moments I often rush through or barely acknowledge. More time lingering outdoors in nature, watching a sunrise/sunset, more hugs, playing that “one more game” with their little ones, longer gazes at loved ones, saying and hearing “I love you” more. In short, “celebrating joy in the ordinary moments.”
finding the extraordinary in the ordinary
Unclear on how it happened, somehow my one word 2021 Joy Journey became a treasure hunt for the magnificent in my tiny word. Not that searching for the magnificent characteristics of Joy amounted to an error of judgment: it simply kept me chasing an illusion.
Like a crazy scavenger hunt, I had no idea for what I searched, but I was sure I failed in finding it. Each discovery gave me a moment of Joy, only to send me back to the chase for something bigger and better.
All of which predictably left me disillusioned and dissatisfied. Until during a recent prayer time seeking God for the missing “joy” nugget I expected, He asked me a question which brought me up short. Simply put, “Why search far and wide for something right in front of your eyes?”
celebrating joy in the ordinary moments
After the question dawned in my heart, a picture of Christmas morning many years ago when my children opened gifts, vividly danced through my mind. Each child ripped through wrapping paper, briefly glanced at the unwrapped gift, tossed it aside and reached for the next package. Finally all the unopened gifts sat strewn across the living room, viewed by disappointed faces; no more gifts to unwrap.
In a way, this picture equaled my Joy Journey: seeking, grasping, glancing and setting aside, continually looking for “more”, when my life stood strewn with joys barely acknowledged, much less cherished. Ashamed, I looked around and listened for joy’s lesson in celebrating joy in the ordinary moments.
Celebrating the joy of my girls
Though blessed with three children: two daughters and a son, my oldest daughter and son currently choose to exclude me from their lives. I have very limited contact and knowledge of my oldest daughter and no knowledge of my son or his whereabouts.
My youngest daughter, however, remains a huge part of my life along with her 2 year old little girl. The pain of losing two of my children often shadows my remaining relationship, resulting in denying myself the joy of what I DO have. We forfeit joy in our current possession lamenting a loss we can no longer hold.
My “girls” as I call them, bless me with their love, hugs, smiles and time on a regular basis. Delighting in their place in my life, their unique personalities, and accomplishments offers me a privilege neither deserved nor promised. The joy of playing with my little Grace and watching her grow fills my eyes with tears. Walking with my daughter as she single parents her little love with both gentleness and determination delights my heart on even the hardest days.
Caress the celebration of what you have; release what is no longer yours and trust future Joy to God.
celebrating the joy of my garden
Spending time in my garden truly brings me joy, well, of course if I spend time in my garden. Instead I often choose chores, soaking in discontent, or again, simply rushing past it on the search for something better. Celebrating joy in the ordinary moments requires eyes desiring to see and ears to hear, especially in the garden.
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6) stands as the perfect theme song for the garden! Not only is my heart full of joy seeing and hearing creation praise God, but His voice speaks clear, gentle and true in the garden like no where else. Perhaps because in the first garden He initiated intimate fellowship with man; or perhaps because His Presence echoes beautiful through His creation.
Join the celebration chorus of creation, allowing the Joy of the Creator breathe life into your weary soul.
celebrating the joy of a beloved memory
She came to us during a time of sorrow, bringing nothing but love and joy lasting just 29 days shy of 15 years. Golda brought joy to a very sick little girl, travelled through hardship, homelessness, grief, loss, happiness, rejoicing, and old age with her family. The day I walked her home for the final time, her eyes locked on mine until the end, piercing my heart with a sorrow I could not hold.
In the almost 3 years since that time, hardly a day passes without a memory of her. But the memory is no longer painful, though it leaves tears upon my cheek. Mourning is like a river flowing towards joy. For without the grief, there would be no memory. And the sweetness of those memories soothe the wounded heart with the salve of joy. I can almost feel her soft fur beneath my fingers, healing; her gentle eyes searching mine; the warmth of her head resting in my lap, and her quiet companionship in my darkest hours.
Mourning is like a river flowing towards joy.
celebrating the joy of my guy
Commonly we take for granted the person closest to us; in most cases our spouse fits the description. Of everyone, my husband remains my biggest cheerleader in my one word 2021 journey. Choosing a Joy Journey of his own, he seeks ways of encouraging me into deeper joy.
But more than that, he abides faithful in getting up at 4:30 am though he might sleep longer, so he can see me off each day with a hug, kiss and wave. Listening to the rambles of a mad woman after a hard day, his easy smile never fades.
Quick with “I love yous”, help with chores and supportive comments, calling him my best friend seems less than all he personifies. His exemplary care for our family, home and the creator and curator of my garden, he makes celebrating joy in ordinary moments a blessing.
Faithful love infuses life’s ordinary with Joy.
celebrating the joy of my god
My greatest joy comes in the ordinary moments with my God. Though it seems strange calling any moment with God ordinary, He steps into every moment of my day. Significant, mundane, fraught with anxiety, or pillaged with trial, these ordinary moments strung together equal my life, and He abides faithful within them.
“In His Presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11), one of my anchor verses for my Joy journey reminds me He walks with me in every moment. His Word, the foundation of my day and the hidden treasure of my heart patiently directs, corrects and soothes me. When life’s shifting sands give way, His Presence envelops me in a quiet, constant, abiding Joy; His Joy.
Fullness of Joy flows from the heart of purest love; the gift of Himself.
joy transforms the ordinary
Celebrating Joy in the ordinary moments transforms even painful moments into an altar of gratitude. Like an intricately woven garment of infinite splendor, Joy and gratitude abide as one. Inseparable, they profoundly conform our soul’s image to that of Christ through the most mundane of moments.
Truly hungering for a deeper understanding and experience of my tiny word friend compels me forward in my journey. But the recent pause to treasure the abundance of Joy present in the every day moments, beckons me to a slower pace. For the joy found in ordinary moments contains God’s gift of Himself.
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Hi Donna, For years I was driven by accomplishment and missed so much. This year I, too, embarked on a joy journey that has waned of late. Thanks for this beautiful reminder that the journey never ends. Much joy to you, friend.
Suzette, thank you for stopping by! My joy journey waxes and wanes too, but the good thing is, the Lord is gracious to point us in the right direction!
So much simple joy around us if only we choose to look. n Kuddos to you for bravely sharing about the loss of contact with your older son and daughter. Not easy I’m sure but it happens to so many ppl and they do not ever share that pain with anyone…
Thank you, Jan, so true, we need only cast our eyes around to be reminded of all the joy God leaves for us! Thank you for your kind words about my sharing regarding my oldest daughter and son. It is hard to share painful parts of my life, but since I have been vulnerable I cannot believe how many others have shared their similar struggle and comfort in knowing another who understands their pain. I think part of our journey as Christians is to share our struggles and admit areas of defeat; God redeems everything and uses it for His glory.
Donna, thank you for sharing of finding joy in the ordinary every day. I too have a prodigal child, my oldest daughter. My youngest daughter keeps me updated. It took a while after I grieved, but I am now able to find joy in the ordinary every day. Blessings.
~Selah~
Paula, thank you for reading my post! I am so sorry to hear you walk the path of having a prodigal, too, for parents that is a hard road. May God work in her heart to bring her to His loving care. May God’s Selah moments continue to hold you close to Him!
Enjoyed and encouraged by your joy nuggets. It’s there every day for us to find! We share a good many in common!
Thank you, Michele! So glad you stopped by and that we share a good many joy nuggets in common-kindred spirits!
Donna, this made me smile because I relate so much, A charter member of “Overachiever’s Anonymous.” 🙂 And I agree, joy is such a tiny word, yet we often search for the deepest meaning of it and forget how it relates to our ordinary moments in life.
Karen, so nice to meet a fellow “overachiever”! Thank you for your kind words, I know I need to work on staying present and appreciating the joy surrounding me each day instead of waiting for a big joy discovery!
It is a painful journey when adult children choose to lock their Mama’s out of their lives.
My Mama heart goes out to you Donna. I understand!
But God will bring them back one day. He has them on their own journey.
Be assured He is there with them even if they don’t acknowledge Him!
Remember He has promised that He will restore the years the locusts have eaten, the four stages of devastation will be restored!
I love your following statement,
“Celebrating Joy in the ordinary moments transforms even painful moments into an altar of gratitude” Amen!
Bless you, 🌹
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer for your encouraging words! I needed this beautiful reminder of God’s faithflness from a dear friend who truly does understand! Much love to you!
This is a profound question from the Lord, “Why search far and wide for something right in front of your eyes?” I appreciate that He recalibrates us. Your illustration of Christmas morning makes it crystal clear how our hearts and minds can wander.
The illustration of end of life care brings the significance of this, “Linger with me a bit while I refocus on the exquisite joys I so often take for granted.”
I’m sad to hear of your two precious children’s exclusion. I have two following the same path. I find this to be an unfortunate trend right now in our young people. I pray you find the Lord’s comfort and joy in the midst of surrender, trust and unconditional love. He is Faithful and True.
Lisa, thank you for your kind words, you are always such an encouragement and support to me. I am saddened to hear you know all too well the experience of wayward children. Praying you likewise are comforted by the Lover of your soul and continue to experience the joy of His fellowship in the hard places.
“But every day JOY speaks to those who listen.” Boy, I need to hear this…and listen up for God’s joy.
And to also be grateful that I can be actively involved in my youngest daughter’s life with her baby. I don’t get to see my oldest daughter near as often or her two daughters. It breaks my heart. I’m so sorry that you only get 1 of 3 of your children’s presence, but I pray that will eventually change. It has to be the most difficult thing ever. You impress me even more, Donna!
We have lost two Goldens over the years and both were hard losses because they were such sweet, loving pets.
What a beautiful wrap-up on Joy for this month, friend!
Lisa, as always your comments are kind and encouraging to me! It is hard as a mom not to have the opportunity of doing life as we would like with our children, especially when grandchildren are involved. There is a little almost 2 year girl of my son’s I have never seen, but perhaps one day we will meet! Thank you for sharing about your family AND your goldens!
It’s hard on a mom’s heart when our children walk a path that excludes us. I’ve had to learn, like you, to find the joy that God leaves me, to live God’s joy. One of my questions has been for the last few years, “How do you live joy in circumstances that break your heart?” You are so right – it’s in the little things that are there – and giving yourself permission to live joy – God already has. I am so glad God has the plan! {{{HUGS}}} Donna, ~ Maryleigh
Maryleigh, you have been such a comfort and encouragement to me! I know we share a kindred spirit. How to live joy in circumstances that break my heart has been my ongoing lesson this year; I don’t have a full answer (and may never have this side of heaven) but yes, I believe a good place to start is embracing the little things right here in front of me! Sending HUGS to you my dear friend!!
Thank you for sharing how hard it can sometimes be to find joy until we look for it in the small everyday events of our lives! Wishing you, your husband and your girls joy today and every day!
Thank you, Corinne for your kind words! I’m so pleased you stopped by today!
“Celebrating Joy in the ordinary moments transforms even painful moments into an altar of gratitude.” Donna, while this is painful to do, it is the road to true joy. Praying for the Lord to work in your family in the ost unexpected of ways to bring restoration to your family.
Thank you for your kindness, Joanne in reading my post and for your treasured prayers!
JOY…a fine tiny word that can be found in so many places…right before our eyes and ears, buried beneath the hard stuff too. You work in hospice/palliative care can be so difficult yet there can be a sweetness about the relationships you build in short periods of time. I taught first grade for years. One of my students in 1977-78 was Karey. She had been diagnosed with cancer in Kindergarten. When she was at the hospital for treatment or at home recovering, I chose to also be her teacher after my full day in the classroom. When she was physically up for lessons, I taught her from the side of her hospital bed or from a table or couch at home. Those hours were the sweetest times with this dear child and her hospital mates on the cancer floor or her family members at home. I found joy in this child with no hair because she had the joy of Christ. I did not know the Lord then but her joy influenced me for life. Now, I know I will see her in Heaven. That alone gives me joy!
Linda, what a lovely story about your dear student. The dying can teach us so much about living can’t they? I can only imagine what your time with her was like and still after all these years you remember it so vividly!!