A Bit Of A Wake-Up Call…

2-10pm

I’ve been reading Kay Warren’s book on joy. It’s called “Choose Joy” because happiness isn’t enough…

A couple of things caught my attention in it. I’m blessed with an optimistic personality.  I am happy most of the time, cheerful, sometimes irritatingly full of beans! 🙂 That’s me, in the studio, as well as hopefully at home as well!  But recently with Granny’s condition, mainly her mental state deteriorating, my joy has been seeping out of me with each passing day. I find myself smiling at her less & not wanting to go home! 🙁 The drudgery of caring for her instead of ‘considering it all joy’ (James 1:2), I’m finding myself complaining! And it’s not what I want.

Kay Warren’s definition of joy is “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

It was such a good reminder to stop thinking ahead – stop imagining life without Granny, and to keep trusting God and thanking Him for each day we have with her.

As if that wasn’t enough to effect a bit of a wake-up call, after Joni Eareckson Tada was on Focus on the Family the other day, I googled her and started watching some of her material on You Tube. Last night I watched this 25 minute video of Ken & Joni Tada as well as Mike & Renee Bondi. Renee is also confined to a wheelchair. It gives such insight into selfless living. You can always find someone worse off than you….

So, no more complaining! I CHOOSE Joy, regardless of my circumstances!

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.

God bless you!

In His Joyful Grip,

Helga xx 🙂