January 15, 2013

I Live With Joy in My Heart

I chose the word Joy to be my one word for 2013.  And I'll freely admit that I've struggled these past two weeks to keep joy in focus.  Somehow two days ago it fell into place.  Sure I'm probably writing too soon.  I know I haven't conquered my struggles, but I finally had a breakthrough though.

On Monday we decided to keep Ryan home from school.  The boys have been battling a cold, and as responsible parents we don't want to spread the germs around.  Usually on a full day spent at home I am guaranteed fighting from the boys.  Plus with sickness there is usually whining.  Miraculously there was neither fighting nor whining.  I accomplished the housework easily, and our day went along smoothly and peacefully.  It was nice to not feel stressed about getting Ryan to and from school or doing anything on someone else's schedule.  It was a relaxed day, and that made it so easy to focus on the little moments that bring joy to my heart.  





I guess it is clear that the stress of our normal schedule is a challenge for me.  While I cannot change our obligations, I can try to make it less stressful.  I've started to work on creating a routine around our schedule, but clearly these past two days have showed me that I'm not there yet.  I'm okay with that though.  I am a work in progress.  I can finally say that I'm starting to be able to spend more time focusing on joy, and now I know what I need to alter so that I can be more joyful.

How are you doing with your new year's word (or resolution)?

10 comments:

Jenn said...

I love your new design! And we missed out on preschool today too. At first I was SO MAD because I really enjoy those 3 hours, but it was really nice to not have a schedule to follow today. ;)

Kate @ Daffodils said...

Your new blog look is awesome! Joy is a great word for the year, it seems like you are on the right path.

Anonymous said...

LOVE the new layout. And happy joy. The world can always use more joy.

Piper said...

Hopping from Only A Breath. My word is JOY, too! I understand the struggle to get it "right" every day. My children are older so I don't have the same struggles you face. Sometimes I feel like the day is a FAIL...but I thank the Lord that His mercies are new everyday! I am doing my best to look for joy throughout my day. I have to CHOOSE to do it, it doesn't come easily for me. Right now I have a couple friends that are keeping me accountable for some challenges in my life. If you don't have someone keeping you accountable...pray the Lord will send the right person to you. I promise you won't regret it! It is awesome to know that someone knows what you are going through and that they are praying for you!

Piper said...

Oh, and your children are precious! Keep your eyes open, for in a blink of an eye they will be grown!

LadyD Piano said...

Great series of photos and so colorful. I love their sparkling eyes and smiles; such joy!

PalouseMom said...

I LOVE the pictures of your kids - so cute! Leah is getting so big, and her smile... precious! So glad you are finding JOY and working toward a rhythm in your days that makes it possible. It's always a work in progress, huh?!? :)

LeeAnn said...

Your boys are adorable!

Unknown said...

I love the pictures!!! Precious Family. Good luck on your journey with your word.

Christina said...

Beautiful family. I was looking for pics of the baby to see how she has grown, just adorable.

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