Today, as I watched my son freely run around and play outside, I was reminded just how important it is to find joy in the little things.
Lately, life has been getting me down. I often wonder when things will start to “work out” for us. My husband and I live away from family due to his job. That was a really hard change for me. I have always been extremely close to my family. My sister is my best friend. So, not being able to go over and hang out with my family whenever I want to has always been a struggle for me. Aside from distance, we are struggling financially. Now, let me clarify that. We are able to have all of our needs met. We have a roof over our head, food on the table, and clothes to wear. For all of those things, I am extremely thankful. However, since leaving my job to stay home with my son, we aren’t really able to build up our savings account. Our family is expanding, and we need more space, but right now we just cannot afford it. So often I find myself asking God when things will just go our way. When will Mike get transferred closer to home so we can be around family and friends? When are we going to be able to start saving money so we can one day own a home?
As I watched my son running around freely without a care in the world, I felt God telling me to slow down and find the joy in the little things. Jackson found his joy in seeing the leaves and the birds–he even loved playing with the blades of grass! I needed to be reminded of all that I am blessed with… even the simple things. Things like the sweet little hugs my son gives me. I find joy in his sweet, little giggles! Joy comes from the fact that I am able to stay home with him and raise him and watch him grow everyday. Joy in the fact that despite being away from family, my husband and I have each other. I think so often we get caught up on what we don’t have and it can get us down. We need to learn to shift our perspective and focus on all that we do have. When we do, we will find joy…even in the simple things.
His little smirk just lights up my life!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
