Have you
heard about One Little Word? It’s a
project that has been popular in the blogging world for several years and one
in which I have participated. The idea is to choose a “word” that will be your
focus for the year.
Last year, I chose LEARN as my word with a goal of
trying to learn a lot of new things. I even had a charm stamped with my word on
it to put on one of my many bracelets.
I guess I
should have made a large banner instead, because as is my all-too-frequent
habit, I started with big plans and then promptly forgot all about it. I did
learn new things, but I didn't focus on the enjoyment
of the learning process like I intended.
The New Year
brings a new chance to start over, so I did. Back the first of December, I
decided my One Little Word for 2015 would be JOY.
I had a
feeling that our family was going to face some hard times, knowing our sister,
Amy, needed a kidney transplant and her husband, Robert, was the best match. I
imagined long hospital stays and many doctor visits and the need for quite a
bit of care-taking. She had walked the transplant road before, so we knew it wasn't going to be easy.
However, I
wanted to FOCUS on the JOY not the struggle.
God had
other plans for Amy, and she went to her heavenly home and total healing on
January 3.
The irony of
my OLW has not been lost on me.
However, I
haven’t forgotten or abandoned my word even though this has been a very sad
time for all of us. I am learning about
JOY in a different way than I imagined. Now, I’m learning there is a big
difference between being happy and being joyful. Joy is a fruit of the Holy
Spirit not a result of my present circumstances.
Joy is a
gift that I choose to receive.
When I
awaken each morning and face the fact that Amy is no longer physically with us,
I am understandably sad all over again. But, I am trying to make the choice
to be joyful anyway as I look for the blessings God has for me this day.
These
beautiful blessings have come in many small ways- in nature, kind words, the
perfect song at just the right time, comfort from scripture, the sweet release
of tears, hugs, and peace that can only come from my Heavenly Father. I have
had glimpses of JOY in the midst of grief.
I don’t know
the struggles that you are facing, but I am sure you have some. Want to join me
in choosing joy in the midst of them?
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law.” Galatians
5:22-23
