15
Sep
It had been a day of relaxation for the moms, and camaraderie for the kids. Moms had shared coffee and conversation while the young ones played.
She fell asleep on the drive home, but as we entered our neighborhood, I could not help but wake her.
Because there it was. An untouched field full of fluffy dandelions.
The joy of the next thirty minutes will be forever etched in my mind as I watched a little girl in pink running through the field, picking and blowing dandelions to her heart’s delight.
She didn’t stop until every last ball of fluff had been properly blown.
Pure, innocent, giddy delight.
That, my friends, is joy.
As believers, moments of joy await us too.
They are best found in the company of the savior, taking in his goodness and knowing him more.
These are the dandelion fields offered to the grown-up soul. The soul now tasked with a million little responsibilities, cares, and concerns.
The same soul that sometimes drives past the field, unaware of its presence.
But Jesus beckons.
He wants us each to know his joy and to come to him with childlike wonder.
To call out to him with “please”s and “thank you”s.
To talk to him like the friend he is.
To trust him with our deepest cares.
To adore him as he adores us.
Not long ago, I hung a saying on my wall. Penned in scrolly white letters on a board of black, it says this:
Choose Joy.
It’s a reminder to me to turn toward the place where joy comes from. To make the conscious choice to go there.
Because sometimes I need my wall to tell me that, when my busy mind forgets.
Or when the climate of my current life doesn’t exactly spell J-O-Y.
Psalm 37:4-5 is a well-known scripture, and for good reason. It’s the scrolly white reminder to us all that we need to delight in the Lord. That we need to commit everything we do to him, to trust him.
It promises that he will give us our heart’s desires when we do just that.
It’s a promise of joy.
He gives us this promise because he knows that deep within, in all our bustling about, that’s what our hearts are really after.
Would you take a moment today to just sit with Jesus?
Make it a point to stare at his face with intention and purpose, to delight in the one who loves you best.
Because a heart that delights in him knows joy better than any other.
My friend, it’s your turn to be the girl in the dandelion field.
Let him shower you today with the joy your heart desires.
He is waiting to do just that.
He says:
Woman of God, I am calling you. I have claimed you as my own. I love you deeply and without end, caring for your every need. Come near to me. Come drink of my refreshing water. Sit with me, that I may show you truths. Trust me, that I may work in your life. Seek me, that you may know me more. Be not afraid of what I may ask of you, but submit to me, that you may go deeper. My ways are good. My love is pure. My intentions for you are for your best. Never be reluctant to fully trust me. There is great reward in the letting go. I love you, daughter. Come, sit with me.
“He Says” passages are excerpts taken from my personal prayer journal. These are things God has spoken to me directly, and my prayer is that he will use them to speak to you.
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Lynne Bates
Excellent word, we need joy while covid is trying to shut down everything again. Lost a friend yesterday to covid.
Grace Grown Girl
Thank you Aunt Lynne. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend! These are trying times for sure.
Sheri Kephart
What a beautiful picture! I used to love blowing dandelions as a little girl in Illinois in an enormous green back yard! Just the thought of it brings me joy! Love your “He Says” journal entry too!
Grace Grown Girl
Sheri, it was so fun to watch her! I didn’t dare blow a single one. I wanted to save them all for her. It was priceless! So glad you have those awesome memories too! They really are so joyful, aren’t they? “He Says” will be a big part of the blog. I’ve been journaling in this way for 190 days now and HE has had a whole lot to say! I am excited to share it with other women!
Tammy Fetzer
Such a beautiful story. I love the imagery. So sad as adults we have to work so hard at times to find true joy.
You have a wonderful gift keep sharing. I know grandma and grandpa are in heaven so proud of you. I am too.
Grace Grown Girl
Hi Tammy! It’s true – we do have to work so hard! Sometimes it’s a challenge to choose joy. Thank you for your kind comments. Miss you. 🙂
Stephenie W
Thank you for such an inspiring message!
Sometimes we forget the true meaning of delight,,
It’s not just glitter and glam, cupcakes with sprinkles, nor is it meant only for children to enjoy.
Oh no! Delight is for our spiritual well being.
Our connection with God.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart!
I love this scripture and the promise it gives.
He will give us the longings of our hearts desires.
All we have to do is truly surrender to him, in peace, in other words, to delight in him.
We surrender our lives to him in all that we do. To carry his message, seeking eternal life in heaven, and the blessings will come and we will never go unfulfilled.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [the necessities of life will be given to you as well.”
Grace Grown Girl
Hi Stephanie – I love this! It’s not glitter and glam, cupcakes with sprinkles, nor is it meant only for children to enjoy. You are right – it’s for our well being. For our good! So glad to know a God who wants us to know real joy. Such a gift. Thank you for sharing!
Lyndi
So beautiful!! Thank you for sharing with us what God is impressing upon your heart to share.
Grace Grown Girl
Thank you Lyndi! It means so much that you took the time to read it! My hope is to bless women. I have so much more to say.
Lindsay
Love this! Choosing joy isn’t just choosing to ‘be happy’ or ‘have a better attitude’. I agree it’s choosing Jesus!
Grace Grown Girl
Thank you Lindsay!