A Humorous God

Ever have those days where you have to laugh because if you don't you will cry. I had one of those days today. It all started when I didn't sleep well - never good. I did manage to take a bath (because those are all I get to take at the moment) by myself and even had my hair dried before the house woke up. Then, snuggle time with everyone - I love that time. Can't get enough of that. And then, off to the doctor to check on the old foot which is healing very nicely - thank you very much.

So, sounds good so far. Except, I had this underlying low key depression feeling the better part of the day. I want to blame it on routine and that is part of it but if I am really honest with myself, I just hate worrying yet I can't always stop the worry once it starts. It is a very bad habit I have. And like I have said before, when these brief seasons erupt in my life God always shows me something brilliant. This is no different.

Enter, one of the books I read on a regular basis. This is actually my third reading of it and every time I read it I get something better out of it than the last time. It is called Laugh Again, Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles Swindoll. I love the topic of joy. I feel like joy was one of those things I missed out on as a child and I want to know more about it. I want to experience joy on the foggiest of days.

This book is all about joy but through the apostle Paul and his letter to Philippi. The man was in chains and had been for some time. He had no routine on a day to day basis but he still experienced joy - because he knew the bigger picture. I love this. He knew that what was happening to him for today was furthering God's kingdom. It was not about him and his circumstances. It was about the ultimate goal of why we are on this earth - to bring glory to God. It wasn't happiness but he could survive the daily grind of sitting in a dark jail cell with his mind and maybe a few cell mates because he took each opportunity to share about Christ not only with those around him but even those further away. His message is still around today and that is so inspiring.

Let's get one thing straight here, I don't want to be in chains or in challenging situations for the rest of my life but I do want to be part of God's team. I want to be able to say without any hesitation that I am sold out to Christ even when the going gets tough. And thankfully, I feel like I am near a place where I can. I love that. I love my personal relationship with my personal Heavenly Father. I love that he is with me every step of every day. I really never am alone. I wish others knew what that was like. I can't explain it very well with words because it is something you just begin to understand one day. It is one of the pleasures that comes out through the journey - the serious pot holes and the smooth road.

So, today got better the more I read about joy. The more I was challenged to remember that everything that happens is already known by God and could be used to further his kingdom. I had to discipline Will several times today - more than usual and I found it ironic. I got to use what I had learned and I will be honest, while discipline is not fun, it is necessary. I had several times where I could have caved into poor behavior and even justified it a little bit but I choose to use the opportunities to teach with grace and humility.

I am not a perfect mama and never will be. I will always be far from it but when I die I want my boys to know that they were loved and taught to respect others and love God with all their heart. My prayer is that I will continue to learn what these different attributes mean so I can show them not only in word but more importantly, in action.

There are so many amazing quotes in this book - even as I look back I am amazed at what I have learned again already (remember, third time is a charm!). But, this is what I am most impressed with this evening:

"If we hope to maintain our joy in the process (of overcoming a dilemma), we must (repeat must) allow the Lord to be our Guide, our Strength, our Wisdom - our all."