John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Cindy and I just returned from a 10-day trip to visit our children and granddaughters in Washington DC. Before leaving on this trip, I was having a difficult time feeling joy in my life, even though everything should have been joyful for me. I had a most joyful trip, so decided I needed to share my joy with you. To be as efficient as possible, I am going to share my daily diary with you. We arrived on Thursday night, June 5, and returned home Sunday, June 15.
Sunday, June 8 – We attended Sunday church with Shelli and her family, which we greatly enjoy whenever we are visiting DC. At that service, I learned that there would be a men’s ministry gathering that evening to share a meal and to discuss “Joyful Gratitude”. My son-in-law Will told me that he and I would attend this gathering, which I was happy to do. The meeting was led by their Associate Pastor. He led the discussion talking about how some days we get so bogged down it may be hard to think of things that brought joy to our hearts, but that it was important to close each night in prayer acknowledging three things for which you were grateful from your day. He also suggested you keep a journal of your daily three joyful events, and that it was important to not have the same three items every day, that the joy in your life should be broad. He also suggested that when you are thinking about the things that bring joy into your life, you will also notice some activities which may may not make you proud – such as cutting off a car in traffic, or getting upset with a salesperson in a store or on a phone call with a service representative. Acknowledge those flaws when they occur, and again feel gratitude when you can learn from shortcomings and grow from them.
Tuesday, June 10 – Shelli and Will’s older daughter, Gentry, had her promotion ceremony from elementary school. It was a beautiful event, and Gentry and all her friends were so happy. They all beamed throughout the service, and afterwards for all the pictures that were taken to memorialize the event. It was truly a most joyful experience.
Wednesday, June 11 – Tina sent out her usual Wednesday message the very next day. She began with this scripture: Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Tina then continued – God doesn’t expect you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, trudging through your days in despair. Instead, He offers something different – joy, even in the midst of trouble.
Her entire message reached out to me, and certainly showed me that I should be experiencing Godly joy even when I feel troubled in my day.
Thursday, June 12 – Stevie and Cristina’s older daughter, Harper, had her promotion ceremony also from her elementary school. It was a beautiful event, and Harper and all her friends were so happy. They all beamed throughout the service, and afterwards for all the pictures that were taken to memorialize the event. It was truly a most joyful experience.
Saturday, June 14 – Gentry and Will’s younger daughter, Greer, had her dance recital on the last night of our visit. She performed in two of the dances we saw. Both the dancer outfits and their dancing were beautiful. It was quite joyful watching Greer having such a good time sharing her love for dancing with others.
I cannot complete this diary without mentioning my youngest granddaughter Penelope (goes by Pepi). Pepi is only 5 so is not yet able to participate in activities like her older sister and cousins. However, she is unique in that she is 5 going on 35, and constantly has us laughing at her many life quips. So she also brings me great joy every time I am around her.
We then returned home the next day. Throughout this trip, God showered me multiple examples of the many joys I experience regularly in my life through all of the contacts in my biological family, church family, chosen family, and others whose path I may cross each day!!
Romans 15:13 – Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.