
Devoted To Joy
I’m not sure exactly where I am going to go with this post, but I have a lot that’s been on my heart for the past few months or so. I don’t know if god is putting this on my heart for my own eyes to read or someone else’s, but either way I need to get it out.
Finding joy during tough times is hard to do, because when things get really bad
Things also gets really heavy.
Loss & grief are some of the hardest things we face in our lifetime and at times it can really start to weigh down on us.
The cheer and the giving, family, friends, and laughter all starts to surround you. And you start to feel sort of, out of place.
Because deep down you are hurting and you don’t want anyone to know.
There are certain times of the year that get a little bit harder for me.
I’m not exactly sure why. But for some reason, I have always had a hard time making any lasting friendships in my life. I hate to admit it, but it’s just the truth and most likely why my devotion to joy can be so hard to find.
Part of accepting that truth is accepting parts of myself that others may not.
Its not easy feeling like you are all alone.
Finding yourself and figuring out your passion takes a LOT of courage and strength. It’s one of those things that sounds way easier when you put action into it.
You may easily find joy in the journey; but for some of us there is and will be a ton of loss, grief, and moments of loneliness in the process.
It’s taken me until recently to accept that it’s OK to not be understood and that it’s OK be alone sometimes.
In fact, I personally feel like we get put in situations like these to test our faith and the promises that god has fulfilled for us and to figure out who we truly are and what we really want in life.
Because life isn’t always going to be easy for any of us and we need to accept that.
Finding joy in tough times will never be the easy way out, but in the end its always the best route.
We all go through hard times, we all just go through them differently. There is a lesson and something to be learned in all of them because they are shaping us into who we’re meant to be.
We have to have faith; even when we cannot see the light.
The holiday season is the hardest for so many of us. The pressure we have as parents to maintain a “materialistic” Christmas and to keep up with what Santa is getting all of the other kids at school.
Its in-explainable how overwhelming it gets among many other things. Truth is, were all looking forward to the new year and we get over Christmas by the time that Christmas is even here.
We begin to lose sight of what really matters.
In the mix of the stress of trying to make everything happen, it stresses out everyone else that’s around me.
The end of the year was meant to be full of joy, but truth is that it’s at this time when we become absolutely depleted in all aspects.
At least I’ll admit, I do.
When your going through anything in your personal life and whether or not people see it or not, this time of the year is sometimes the worst.
We celebrate holidays for one thing. Joy. Can’t we all admit that? At least that’s how it’s supposed to be.
We give gifts to others because of joy, and stress for what? For joy. But stress and joy cannot go hand in hand with each other. I know that for a fact.
The real joy of Christmas gets kicked to the curb some times; if not every year. Making the outside noise way louder than what god is speaking to us all.
All god wants is for us to be happy, and to be happy we need to be filled with his joy.
To have that joy, we need to have faith. To have faith means to let go of stress and trust that whatever is planned for us is meant for us.
No matter what it is we are going through right now it could most definitely be worse. Rejoice in the hope of Jesus and his love surrounding you. Including the truth that he’s got all of your loved ones covered, too. Which is ultimately the best gift.
We have a loving father in heaven who is with us in every decision we make and every prayer we pray. This holiday is to celebrate nothing else but the JOY that he has given us.
Not the joy we think we need. In the materialistic things, our past, the crappy one sided relationships that we focus way too hard on, or the glitz and glamour that we don’t have. Because truthfully NONE of that brings true joy.
Joy is so much more than that.
Happiness can be found in the little things. I feel like that’s something that we all need to be reminded of during this time of the year. Especially when JOY itself can be so overlooked.
Something I have had to remind myself over the years is that giving doesn’t always have to be bought.
Giving this world the best version of yourself and who god wants you to be is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. And your loved ones.
Be a good friend like Jesus was, be a giver of love and compassion like Jesus did. Have a servants heart by giving without any expectations like he would. Love your neighbor and look for and BE light in this ever so often dark world.
**But please for the LOVE of God, friend, do not lose yourself and what you believe. Remember that you can say no, and still be a good person.
Trust that his promises will be fulfilled.
These are all free gifts that are full of joy and that have the power to turn someone’s life around. Maybe even your own.
You don’t need to have the best of the best, you just need to do your best. Jesus is the JOY, and the reason for ANY season.
Be so filled with His joy that nothing else matters.
1 Peter 1:8-9
2 Comments
Jami Erickson
Kids may say they want the latest toys or gadgets, but what they really want deep down inside is time with family and love. I promise they won’t remember what they got in 2018 but they will remember what they felt. Memories don’t break and can’t be taken away – you two spend time with your kids and that’s what they will remember! And I think it’s super hard to have friends when you have young kids, heck – it’s hard anytime. I have 2-3 close friends that I’ve had for decades and we don’t see each other often, but when we do I am truly accepted for who and what I am – that for me is true friendship and more valuable that a ton of superficial friends. I wish I would have done more giving to others with my kids when they were young – giving to the community or to church or volunteering at a community meal. Not to look good, but to feel good – it really does feel good to love others, even those that seem unlovable. Blessings <3
Courtney Ferguson
I completely agree with you, Jami! We are so lucky to have the life we have and to be able to always be home with our kids. I know that’s definitely not the case for many others. Through the years Jordan and I have finally accepted that Christmas doesn’t need to be what it wasn’t for us when we were kids. This year is going to be way different, and I want to start giving to the community during this time in any way we can! I think that’s a wonderful idea! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me. I am inspired by your words, as always! Much love and blessings ❤️❤️❤️