Unexpected Moments of Joy

  My friend tells the story of how after a week of dreary cool weather, she was finally able to get out and take a walk.  The variety of colors which she stumbled onto during her walk startled her.  What had been weeks of dark, drabness was the ‘prettiest blooms’ she’d ever seen in that area!  

Along with the vibrant colors was the deep green grass and the splashing of turtles and fish in the small pond she was walking near.  This landscape was not planned or purposely prepared, but was manifested in the imagination of God’s handiwork!   This thought process accentuated the already overwhelming feeling of joy my friend experienced.

ENJOYING THE DETOUR

I admit, one of my favorite things is having to take a detour while traveling or even on a regular trip to the grocery store.  We get so accustomed to what we see while driving by, we rarely notice the landscape.  But when we are venturing into a place we’ve not been before, we tend to take notice and it isn’t unusual to be totally wowed, by our new surroundings!

Our lives are sometimes predictable and that brings a level of ‘autopilot’.  We function in the framework of our daily routines and that often brings with it our ‘daily worries’.  This mindset can steal the joy out of any day!  It’s good when we are forced to ‘stop’, breathe and take in the ordinary moments, that are often little glimmers of hope, a notice of blessings and certainly a feeling of joy!

STEALING OUR JOY

Other times we focus only on the ‘big stuff.’  We are desperately trying to make ends meet, or working on a promotion, fighting a health concern, or devastated over a relationship crumble.  Because of this, the little moments or small packages of joy, like a pure moment of peace, a kind word, even a new opportunity are all missed.  We can’t see it for the clouds wrapped around us.

We need to recognize our day may be filled with a spiritual pothole, or bumpy and muddy roads.  The drama, muck and mire of our world can be overwhelming and make our world a very negative place.  When we are in this darkness, the color that comes with the light, is dimmed because our hearts are not accepting the nudging from Christ.  He doesn’t want us to remain in this place.  His desire is that we look to him for his Light that will wake up our senses to what is beautiful regardless of the negativity and darkness we are walking through.

SEE THE BEAUTY AROUND US

As we accept God’s goodness which allows us to see the beauty and experience unexpected moments of joy, it’s also necessary that we be the giver of small surprises.  A smile from a stranger, giggle from a child, a note from a friend or the peace that comes from conversation with our Lord are often sprinkled in our day.  When we miss these gentle surprises we’ve missed great blessings.  What’s more is when we don’t share these with others we’re missing opportunities to share Jesus. 

Photo Credit:  Joy