Pardon Me, Have You Seen My Joy?

It's been a humdinger of a week here at the Gillies house.

Sopping wet, stinky carpet in my office revealed a roof leak that so far has refused to be located (after 4 visits from the roofer). I'm now working on a bare cement floor. Both my hubby and our 21 year old son caught serious head colds. Our air-conditioner broke (Yes, I realize it's winter, but here in Florida we crank the A/C early.) Then our teen daughter was diagnosed with influenza.

I won't even mention our broken lawn mower and the giganta-weeds taking over our yard, car tires that need replacing, my husband's broken tooth, and a half dozen other equally lovely (and expensive!) events.

Ain't life grand?

Sometimes life sucks the joy right out of us before we even realize what's happened. At one point last week I felt so overwhelmed I threw myself on the bed and had a good cry.

But then I realized I needed to make a decision not to allow the tsunami of events cascading over my head to steal my joy. Because while I can't control the waves, I can determine whether or not I sink or swim.

You're probably thinking, "Duh, every good Christian girl knows this." But hear me out. Because when the waves are not only smacking us, but taking us under, it's easy to unintentionally let go of our joy. When we're practically drowning, we've got to paddle, and paddle hard. And girl, I was giving it everything I had.

That's when Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and whispered, "I'll trade ya."

And that's when I realized I'd been unintentionally holding all this heavy stuff in my hands--the same hands doing all the paddling.

You'd better believe I went for the trade. So, Jesus took all the heavy stuff, and in return, joy washed over me. I felt buoyant. Light. Giddy.

Joyful.

I don't know whether you're facing lightly choppy seas or a full-blown nor'easter. But if I were you, I'd definitely go for the trade.


Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Psalms 68:19

12 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

And you took the time out of all that craziness . . . to mail the lovely gift to me. Thank you.

Sorry your week has been so wild . . . this is a hard lesson to put into practice. Grateful for the reminder.

Fondly,
Glenda

Amy said...

Beautiful. I love the amazing trades that Jesus offers. Thanks for reminding me today just how amazing He is.

Hugs!

Diane said...

What a week! Thankful that His joy is there when we are willing to trade. Hugs and thank you for the reminder. :O)

Mining for Diamonds said...

When it rains it pours...any one of those incidents would've been enough to handle by itself, but when it all goes down at the same time...geesh, I would feel overwhelmed, too! But that is a great lesson learned, to turn our eyes upon Jesus/look full in His wonderful face/and the things of earth will grow strangely dim/in the Light of His glory and grace. Amen!

Ginny said...

I have been having a mini tsunami myself these past two weeks. Oh Jule, I wish I were more like you! I allowed this ugliness to steal my joy, and it is so hard to get it back. It seems anxiety, fear, and worry are stressors that bring about doubt and that is where I am today.

Cheryl Barker said...

It's a trade worth taking every time, isn't it?

Thinking about waves, I love Jeremiah 5:22 -- "...The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail..." Great verse, huh?

Blessings to you this week, Julie!

achildoftheking said...

Indeed so, yes, LORD... I'll take the trade. Praise YOU in the storm.

KelliGirl said...

I don't think choosing joy is ever easy when life is smacking us around...at least I'm not good at doing that. I really appreciate your insight and example because I need it!

Hope you're having a better week this week!

Blessings and prayers,
Kelli

Terri Tiffany said...

Julie,
We just have to meet someday:)
I've spent some time throwing myself on the bed in tears and then realized I need to get up and see what God IS doing for me despite the circumstances. I pray your air was fixed cheaply!! You do need it here now!

pinkdaisyjane said...

You're speaking my language, Julie!

I'd rather have His joy than my panic and pitiful moans any day!

Rachel Beran said...

Oh, what an encouraging blog post! So thankful He's willing to trade. Glad you took the trade and that I can too. From the recent pics on Facebook, you look like you're still enjoying His blessings in the midst of the craziness of life. :)

About Nancy said...

Great to visit your blog. See you again soon!

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