When Justin left for Afghanistan, he gave me a priesthood blessing. In that blessing, he said that I would find joy in this experience. Until today, I thought that was a promised blessing that the Lord would GIVE to me. Today, as I was sitting in church, it hit me (like a ton of bricks) that it was actually a TASK that the Lord had given to me...find the joy. Here I was, waiting on the Lord, when all this time...He's been waiting on me--waiting for me to recognize the blessings, internalize the lessons, allow myself to grow from the challenges--and then SHARE that with my children, husband, family, friends, neighbors, etc. Talk about a paradigm shift!
So here I am, sharing this with YOU! Does this revelation change how hard this all is? Short answer: no. Does it change the big picture--absolutely! So even though 90% of my life feels like some twisted reality show...it's the big picture that keeps me going.
So...as I take on this task I've been given, I thought I might ask all of you for help. Leave me a comment with your answer to the...
Where do you find the joy?
1. listening in church
2. new perspective
3. dinner plans with old friends
16 comments:
In the experiences of my friends and family. I can not tell you how many times I have cried reading your blog. You have definitely inspired growth in me!! I have felt joy as I have tried to count my blessings like you do at the end of each blog. Finding joy in the little blessings leads to character growth.
Hi Sue. Just wanted to let you know that mom and I (and whoever else wants to join us) are going to collect winter gloves and hats and send them to Justin.
To answer your question of the day, there are so many places to find joy...family, service, words of appreciation, a clean house, a walk, a good book just to name a few.
Love,
Mom and Dad
sue, my family really wants to help with this project. we are getting together this sat. and would love to know what would be most helpful. if you get a chance, call me 801-859-1061. by the way, i find joy in the little things...a silly line in a movie, funny cards, happy smiles, the intonation of a four year old's comment, a job well done, my feet getting warm under daves leg, kind gestures. you're right, when you look for joy you can find it. can't wait to hear from you.
JOY-
where to begin...
Through any difficult day, JOY CAN be found if looked for. I had to learn that one too.
Nature
Children
Family
Friends
Music
LOVE YA SUE--Thankyou so much for continuing your story through your blog. You are and Justin are a light to many.
I have learned to find the joy in my everyday life. Sitting on the floor playing with my son, reading books, making dinner. I have found major joy in celebrating today, not dwelling on yesterday, and not trying to plan tomorrow.
Great blog, Sue! It reminded me of how many times in the scriptures we're told to "be of good cheer", but we don't often think of it as a commandment and we should. I love your quote on gratitude and that has to be what brings me the greatest joy, when I take time to stop and recognize and truly be grateful for my many blessings. Also, whenever I'm involved in the things that really matter - serving in my Church calling or any other service, being with my family, enjoying our grandchildren, teaching, praying, attending the temple and being rejuvenated without fail in our Sunday meetings, reading the scriptures and Church magazines, maintaining friendships, and reading great blogs by inspired people :). Hope that helps!
As I think about joy... and where to find joy I realized that memories can be joyful, even though I didn't realize the "joy" in that particular moment of time. Therefore, life is probably full of joy... and we often miss it until it's a memory. Hmmm?
Thanks for a great blog.
I find joy, thanks to you, in looking for the good things each day. Even though I don't blog them very often, you have me looking for the "good things" every day. Sometimes they are the simple things, and sometimes it is something huge. But unless I look for them, I don't recognize them. Thanks, You are awesome.
have to agree with all the above , but if I had to choose my ultimate joy it has to be,...
when I have made someonelse feel good about themselves,
I will email you soon re your project
TTFN Janice X
When I feel blue I think about Sue foo and it makes me feel happy knowing she is my friend.
I find joy in creating..........an organized home that invites the spirit as others come in; a promise fulfilled so that I see my children smile; a good meal out of what looked like nothing and amazed a loving husband; a finished project!! (there are many moments of joy just waiting in the closets and drawers)
Family, Friends, and the ultimate reason for our brief life on this earth. That reason is the reason that family and friends bring so much joy. Those ties never die. I also like a good book and a really tasty, warm chocolate chip cookie.
Amy
I know there are all the usual answers, but there are very simple things...(things, not people) that I love that create tiny moments of happiness that I enjoy. So things I love:
1. the feeling after a good run
2. chocolate
3. an empty house where i can read and write.
4. a great sunrise
5. a warm fuzzy pair of socks
I don't have a lot of time to leave this comment but in short the first thing that came to mind was I find joy in serving others. I love that feeling that comes from knowing I have helped someone else and made someone eles happy even if it is in some small way. I know there are a tun of other things in life where I find joy but that popped in my head first.
love ya trac
Let me know how you find the joy in rasing kids. Still trying to master that one.
Tuesday says:Sue Ive not read all your blog yet so i dont know yet why Justin is not with you...my greatest joy comes from changing my thoughts,when I get angry,sad,frustrated,impatient I find the feeling unacceptable and refuse it and think about how id like to feel, it takes practice,mental focus and time...be gentle on yourself and allow joy.My children help by wiping away my tears and asking why my eyes are wet,telling me im beautiful,saying itll be okay mum...I know it will be cause i realise that i choose my feelings...Sue,I love you xx
I find joy in friends and in church. I especially find joy in all of the small things. Christmas decorations, songs, the weather, and especially the phone. It seems like every 5 min. the phone rings. I'm so happy that I know Christ is alive and he loves us. i seem to find joy in everyday life. Thanks for the inspiring stories.
Merry Christmas!!! :D
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