When we are dealing with difficult times, finding joy can be difficult. Yet, God brings us reason to have joy, and it brings us a profound strength that sustains us even when we suffer. Finding joy in the ordinary is such a crucial part of healing. Yes, we can learn to find joy even in the midst of our brokenness.
Joy in the Little Things
Here in New England, we recently enjoyed a particularly beautiful spring day. My little ones were all too happy to run around outside in the warm sunshine. My two youngest discovered a butterfly (possibly a moth – I’m not really sure) and they spent about fifteen minutes gleefully chasing after it. Truth be told, they didn’t seem quite as concerned about catching it as they were about simply chasing it.
Their joy over something so small was so beautiful and contagious. I found myself smiling from ear to ear and laughing right along with them. Although a part of me wanted to join them, I was full of so much joy just watching them that I stayed where I was marveling at the ordinary yet quite profound sight before me.
As we grow up, we tend to lose our childlike innocence and our appreciation for the little things. Life becomes more complicated. We get busier and start to look for more extravagant things to fill our cups with joy. The trouble is that we tend to search for “quick fixes” – things that bring only temporary happiness. We can also fall into the habit of taking God’s blessings for granted, and we forget to stop and “smell the roses.”
Glimmers of God’s Grace
Although our tendency is to start turning to “bigger and better” things, it is oftentimes the small things and the little moments that bring joy, contentment, and a sense of well-being. It is also in these little moments that we can hear God speaking to us the loudest. God delights in little things. There is something so extraordinary about the smallest of God’s creations and oftentimes about the simplest of circumstances.
I call these little moments “glimmers of grace” and they are reflections of His love. They help to keep us focused on Him and grounded in gratitude. They bring us joy and therefore strength to sustain us even in hard times. They also help to deepen our faith. Whether it’s through human connection, nature, prayer, or the simple pleasures from each day, glimmers of grace remind us there is always a reason to be joyful and grateful.
Some Questions for Reflection:
What am I grateful for? Do I remember to praise God and show Him gratitude?
How often do I stop to marvel at the little things – things that, at first glance, might seem quite ordinary?
How often do I, like a child, allow myself to be fascinated by God’s creation?
Do I appreciate the little moments in life (such as time spent with my loved ones) or am I constantly seeking out things that are “bigger and better?”
Can I think of a time when, regardless of how difficult it was, I still felt deep joy?
How can a relationship with God bring joy into my life even in the midst of difficult of circumstances?
Slow Down
Slow down. Appreciate the grace and the beauty in the ordinary things that in actuality are quite extraordinary. There is so much joy and beauty to be found in the everyday moments. Take a moment to praise God for that!