Hello, tender friends!
Joy is simple, like a tulip.
Joy is simple, like bare hands in dark soil.
Joy is simple, like a belly laugh from a 3-year old.
At the gas pump last Sunday morning, I relished Cub’s joy. While Anthony stood outside my car filling my tank, he ducked down so Cub couldn’t see him and then popped up and made funny faces.
Cub giggled uncontrollably- loud belly giggles. Struggling to catch his breath he asked, “Why is daddy so silly!?” Silly is one of his favorite words.
These moments are the meaning of life for me. Joy is not found in enrolling your kids in exclusive private schools. Joy is not found in exotic family vacations. Joy is not found in a new car or a bigger house.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these things, and I support people pursuing them if that’s how God leads. (And make no mistake, Anthony and I will be updating our cars when we can. Let’s be honest- fixing car problems is also definitely not joyful).
But real joy is your 3-year old giggling. Saying without words, Daddy loves me. I am heard. I am seen.
Let’s not overcomplicate human relationships. Let’s not let busyness cause us to neglect in giving the simplest gifts to those we encounter. Let’s not forget the most basic human desire-to feel like your existence matters in a big world-is free to give to those around us.
Let’s not forget that God spends his entire day listening to billions of his human creations every day.
And for those of you who may not be in a season where joy feels impossible, I have been there too. Maybe that is a post for another day?
Ok, that’s all for today, tender friends! Thank you for stopping by and thank you to the new friends receiving updates!
I’m not quite sure how almost a year has passed already, but I’ve received the WordPress email about my current plan expiring. I’ve played with the idea of rebranding this blog and welcome your comments on Thursday’s post. See you then!
Thank you for sharing!
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tea and tenderness 
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