Joy is a term that has an evolving definition within my heart and mind. It goes much deeper than happiness, and is neither ever-present nor ever-lasting. Sometimes joy feels like an emotion; other times, it’s a state of being. You can be smiley and pleasant looking when you have joy. You can also shed tears and have the ugly cry face when overwhelmed with joy.
Once upon a time, a friend had made a positive choice for their family. Impressed to share their excitement, my friend shared their feelings with me and encouraged me to consider making the same choice in my family.
But I could not. I was glad that things were going well for them. However, this was not the time to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. My friend’s decisions were not a proper fit for my family. While I lacked the words to explain my contrary thinking, I also did not feel impressed to defend my choices. We, like them, were doing the best for our family too. Everyone’s best will never look like a carbon copy of one idea.
Fast forward a handful of years later. Things have changed and their previous choices had to be altered.
I felt peace as I listened to my friend speak. The words were confirmation that we truly did make the best choice for our family. God is always asking us to trust Him. To surrender to His perfect will for our lives and to obey His perfect ways. Many times, His ways seem to make absolutely no sense at all. Yet, He doesn’t require us to defend Him like a thesis paper. No. God speaks for Himself. We just need to do what He says.
God showed up today in an unlikely manner. All of it is joy.
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I’m linked up with this joyous Five-Minute Friday group today.