This photo of our daughter was taken Thursday morning on her first day of Second Grade! She was posing for her yearly picture with a big cheesy smile. I was making her laugh so I could get a natural smile and I caught this shot.
I am so grateful for this sweet little girl and I am so grateful for JOY!
JOY
Psalm 126:3
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
I had an emotional day on Thursday. I was surprised when I felt like crying as I dropped my child off on that first day. I mean, this is our 3rd year doing this … so why the tears? Then I headed over to empty out closets and remaining stuff at my parent’s house. I could see my daddy wearing a lot of the shirts I placed in the Goodwill pile. It didn’t take much to make me feel overwhelmed. But even in times of roller coaster emotions, the joy of the Lord is never too far away.
In my frustration, I had the choice to just feel sorry for myself and chew on self-pity OR I could turn my focus towards the Lord.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.
After having a good sobbing cry, I chose to praise Him. When our focus is on Him, everything else pales in comparison.
Where is your focus today?
I am joining sweet Barbie for her Weekend Brew. Please click on her button below.
What a wonderful post Beth! We must choose joy in the midst of the sorrow. Worshiping God in the middle of the pain, that’s what my post is about as well. Glad I stopped by for a visit!
What a sweet post…..Thursday I was reminded how much I miss my sweet little mother, whose birthday was August 1st. And there is always that sense of sadness, yet I also know that my joy comes from the Lord!
This is exactly what I was trying to say, He is worthy to be praised in ALL circumstances! Your little one isn’t so little anymore 🙁 Blessings!
Beth, how lovely to meet you in blogland. Can I just say wow? This post made me smile and almost made me cry. (I stopped myself before I let it all out.) That precious photo of your daughter brought back a flood of memories of my own uniform-wearing-school-girl who is now 27. Would you believe me if I told you I still have the shoes she wore in not only second-grade, but most of her life as a child? Sad, I know, but I can be a little pack-rattish. My attic groans.
And then you mentioned your dad. I don’t know your story yet, but I know my dad is failing in health, after so many years of wonderful health, and it hurts to watch parents fade away.
The Bible verses were perfect and gave me a much-needed boost in my personal life. So … thanks for sharing and listening and I look forward to getting to know you.
P.S. I see we have the same Scripture posted on our blogs … Jeremiah 29:11, one of my favorites.
I also saw where your parents both passed away last year, so close together. Oh, bless your heart. I can’t imagine the deep loss you, no doubt, still feel.
Choosing joy is always worth it. I’m so sorry for your loss, Beth.
Sometimes we need to have a good cry, pouring out our pain to the Lord and He meets us with His comfort and peace. Joy is then “never far away” like you say, Beth.
Amazing to see your sweet girl ready for second grade. Enjoy every moment. They grow up so fast.
Blessings,
Janis