As you probably know or have figured out by now, my middle name is Joy. I really like this word, and really the meaning of the word, and I love that it's a part of my name. The other day when I was unpacking my room, I put these 3 letters up on my windowsill and Paul said "Joy! My mom loved the word joy too." He proceeded to tell me that growing up his mom had taught him that joy stood for
JesusOthersYou
in other words, an acronym for how she hoped he would prioritize his life. I had never heard this before but I really love it and it makes me appreciate this little piece of my name even more.
My second run-in with {joy} this week came this afternoon in the car. I was just having a "feel sorry for myself" day worrying about getting a job and how I will afford living on my own. But then I realized something that scared me. I imagined that if one of the 15 jobs I had applied to so far called and offered me a position right that second, then I would be so happy and excited for the rest of the day - maybe even the week or month. And this scared me because I realized I was letting my circumstances, and even outside factors that I can't control, determine my mood and how I was living life. I am praying that I would choose joy because Christ has given me life, and not let the crashing waves of the world toss me into a sea of uncontrolled emotion.
November 3rd Thankful For: the name Joy and a Savior who gives me the ability to choose joy in all circumstances. What are you thankful for?
you have posted everyday! i love it. i love you :) thanks for pointing me back to Jesus and the joy found in him.
ReplyDeletemariel - i totally hear you in this! - very wise. i am always learning to not let circumstances dictate my life, but to instead gain an eternal perspective - setting my heart&spirit on Him - and choosing JOY regardless. I'm constantly asking myself if I really beeelieve His Promises??? - that He gives good gifts to His children, that He has plans for Good, plans for Delight, plans for Life... always. If I truly believe that, then the worry/fear/anxiety factor is taken... trust and hope remain. It's clear that He is growing you in this season, and taking you on a sweet adventure with trusting His Provision and plans above our own.
ReplyDeleteLoving your blog and excited to hang (hopefully) soon!