Mama Needs A Do-OverSample

Joy

Every time our expectations get derailed, we have a choice. To move forward with joy or to go into a fuss and get mad. We can fight what God wants us to learn from the changes, or we can give over to a peace that, not to be cliché, passes understanding. We can be controlled by our immediate reaction, or we can stop and give it thought and purpose.

When you are trying so hard to stop yourself from lashing out in anger toward your child, where does your strength come from? That boiling, steaming, seemingly irresistible rage that explodes and then makes us blame our child… it is the opposite of joy!

We can get set off by the smallest of happenings. A child who won’t cooperate or a slow line at the bank can turn us into a bad example or how to handle it when we don’t get our way.

At some point, you will have to accept that you are choosing how you respond in the struggle. This is about choosing joy when things get hard—when your child gets bullied or your bank account is empty or your husband locks your children out of the house. It is not an easy prospect. But God promises it is possible. Read James 1:2-4 again, and just soak in it.

My friends, the joy of the Spirit is yours for the asking! Grab it! Embrace it! Hold on to it with the same passion that you had for your dreams when you were a girl. There is more fulfillment in that kind of gift than anything you ever imagined!