So I'm going to spend this post looking for my joy... by remembering all I have to be joyful about. (I know it sounds a lot like counting your blessings on Thanksgiving, but can't hurt right?) Here we go.
The basement is basically done. I have somewhere to escape, turn on the fireplace, and curl up with a good book or movie. It's warm and comfy, and amazingly me. I can take a deep breath, ease back and actually relax here, even when people are yelling upstairs.
I have been blessed with an amazing family and friends. Kev and Randy almost single handedly put said basement together for me, not expecting much in return. Bon helped put the chair together, on top of the fact that she feeds me and keeps a roof over my head. Grandma (though frustrating) can make me laugh like few people can, except maybe for Ryan. Eva, Julie, Lisa - you guys literally keep me sane some days. I don't know what I'd do without you. For everyone I've been reconnecting with, thank you so much for reaching back! I love that I'm getting to know everyone a bit better... and that you're getting to know me, despite how scary that can be for me.
I've connected with an amazing group of fellow writers, who are constantly giving tips for better writing and encouragement to keep going towards my goal of eventual publication. (Thanks Seekerville!) I've started my re-write and have high hopes for Cass and her story... even when Dean depresses me because he's a figment of my imagination.
I have so many inside jokes that continually keep me laughing long after they've first been established. What would I do if I had never learned of Prince Steve in his 90's pants, waiting for me in the Parisian castle? Like Randy likes to say, I haven't laughed that much since I was a little girl. (Glad you finally admit people thought you were a girl when you had your ringlets Ran.)
And I have a Savior, who has given me more grace, strength, guidance, and blessings than I should ever have a right to ask for. In a season that reminds us that love came down in the form of a baby, I guess that love should be what I let envelop me. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Time to put those fruits of the spirit to good use, I guess.
Well, perhaps the stress hasn't gotten to me after all. Don't worry about helping me find my joy. I believe it just made it's way back to my heart.
Love came down,
surrendered all,
humbled in a manger small.
No grand announce,
or neon lights,
just peace and quiet
of a silent night.
The gifts he'd bring
in days to come:
Love, joy, peace,
as God's own Son.
Through all the trials and the strife,
he came so he could give us
life.
Both his and ours,
wrapped up so tight
swaddled in Bethlehem that night
the greatest gift, the best of all
when Love came down
surrendered all.
Merry Christmas Eve everyone. Take some time to find your joy today, tomorrow and always. And know that I find joy in this time spent with you.
<3 Kayla
1 comment:
You are lovely, and I'm so glad to call you my friend. What I did to deserve a blessing like you I'll never understand. You make me laugh like very few people ever have before. (Those 90's pants still plaster a grin on my face.) Better yet, you keep me motivated in my devotionals (no way would I have made it through the challenges of What Women Want without you pushing me along). Better still, you remind me of the joy in knowing Christ. Thanks for being such a great sister in Christ. Merry Christmas :)
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