Inexpressible Joy

A couple of weeks ago I was wandering aimlessly at work in search of Chick-Fil-A.  I knew there was one on the campus, but I didn't know exactly how to get there.  As a new employee on a huge campus, I have spent a lot of time lost and at the mercy of others.  If you know me at all, you will know that's not a place I like to be.  But, back to my search for chicken and waffle fries...

As I walked, a person asked me for directions to the main hospital.  Great.  I'm lost, and someone needs directions.  Oh boy.  I told her I wasn't sure, but that I thought it was down the hill.  I offered to walk with her until we found it.  It was actually down the hill.  Yay, me! In the process of walking and talking, I learned that she had recently lost her job and had subsequently become homeless.  I was immediately humbled.

We shared lunch together and talked some more.  In the process, I learned that I am so blessed.  Though we have been hit very hard economically, we are still hanging onto our home by a thread and meals come regularly.  Since I had to rush off to a meeting, I didn't have time to stay for long with her.  I had intended to come back and meet her at the end of my day, but circumstances precluded it.

I prayed that I would see her again.  Yesterday, as I was leaving work walking in a new direction, I saw her again.  JOY filled my heart.  God had heard my prayers and answered in a way that only He could.  And I had NO doubt that it was His work alone.  We hugged.  We talked.  I know I'll see her again, and I know He's taking care of her in ways that I can't.  That gave me "inexpressible" joy.  

God is the only source of true joy (I Pet. 1:8), and He pours His joy out in unexpected ways.  And, though I had to settle that day for a well-made panini over my waffle fries,  I got something much better in the end.  What filled your heart with unspeakable (inexpressible) joy today?

For more on the Joy Fruit of the Spirit, please visit:

There is Beauty in Letting Go: http://beautyintheletgo.blogspot.com/

The Rabbit Hole Chronicles: http://therabbitholechronicles.wordpress.com/

The Ever-changing Thought: http://tecthought.com/

A Joyful Journal: http://ajoyfuljournal.blogspot.com/
Out Lout in My Head:  http://outloudinmyhead.blogspot.com/

Love

When I think of love I am reminded of a vintage Heavy D song that asks, "Now that we've found love, what are we gonna do with it?"  Even if you're not familiar with the song, I'm sure you've asked yourself that question a time or two.  I certainly know I have.  Love is often confusing.  It makes you laugh and cry; sometimes at the same time.

My husband and I recently celebrated our anniversary.  I told him last week that we always seem to argue more around our anniversary, and I have no reason why.  I'm no closer to the answer today than I was then.  But I do know this:  I'm thankful.  Even when I'm mad at him, I'm thankful to be with him.  God's love has been the model that we've tried to follow.  His love has been the glue that has kept us together even when we weren't oozing love or when challenges have threatened to snuff our love out.

When I at look at the definitions for love found in I Corinthians 13, I realize that I often fall short.  Am I patient?  Am I kind?  Am I thinking of his needs first?  Sometimes.  Not enough, though.   When I am tempted to judge and hold grudges, I am reminded of the grace that God has shown me when I fail.  He shows His love in so many ways.  Can I not love my husband or my children the way God loves me?

The Bible is good at presenting us with challenges.  It gives us something to strive for.  Marriage is hard work, but it's fun, too.  When I love my way, it doesn't work.  But when I love the way Corinthians calls me to, it's like a sweet berry.  It is delicious and satisfying for both of us.  What better expression of God's love than to see His love shine through us to one another?  How can you show love to your spouse or loved one today?

     This post is the first in a new series reflecting on the Fruits of the Spirit.  It is a collaborative effort inspired by my dear friend Karen.  Together, several of us will be exploring the fruits over the next couple of months and sharing what God says to each of us.  Please take some time to visit these lovely ladies for more on the fruit of love:

There is Beauty in Letting Go: http://beautyintheletgo.blogspot.com/

The Rabbit Hole Chronicles: http://therabbitholechronicles.wordpress.com/

The Ever-changing Thought: http://tecthought.com/

A Joyful Journal: http://ajoyfuljournal.blogspot.com/

"I'm Not That Spiritual Right Now"

So I'm watching Mary, Mary, contemporary gospel superstars right now.  The younger of the duo just found out she is expecting a fifth child and is feeling very overwhelmed as a result.  She is talking to her husband about her feelings.  He starts telling her that God will help them to handle the children and continue to give them all they need for them.  She turns to him and says, "I'm not that spiritual right now."  She says that she is just her plain old self right now.

Oh how that resonated with me.  While I'm not expecting another child, I can totally relate to being overwhelmed.  I can relate to wanting to just be me without thinking of what God's plan is at the moment.  Sometimes I'm reeling too much to focus on where He is in the middle.  I think it's normal.  We just can't afford to stay there too long.

What do you think?  When have you said or thought, "I'm just not that spiritual right now?"  How long did it take for you to refocus your attention on the Man in charge of it all, the One who gives us peace?