Joy! What a great word! Just writing the word brings a smile to my face. As I get “back in the saddle” this morning, after a week long vacation, my heart feels joyful, and I am mulling over two recent quotes I came across about joy:
“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” ~Teilhard de Chardin
“Joy is the echo of God ‘s life in you.” ~ Dorn Marmion
Reading these words has a profound effect on me –something deep within stirs as I let these words seep into my soul. I may not always “get” where God is present in my life. It is sometimes hard to name the experiences of God at work in my life, but I can easily name the joyful experiences in my life–those moments where my heart is full and happy. Thinking of my past week, I am reminded of several moments of joy:
-Having “Laughing Parties” with Brady
-Watching Abby’s face light up when I walk in the room
-Driving with Chris in the car and chatting about life on the way to Memphis
-Soaking in the sunshine and outdoors with my brother and sister-in-law for three days
-Playing with 9 beautiful red-headed four week old puppies
-Participating in a meeting about something I am really passionate about
-Helping create a vision for a ministry I really believe in
-Getting unexpected emails from people that are answered prayers
All of these experiences “echo God’s life within me”. They are the moments I need to wake up and pay attention to. These are moments when God is speaking to me–using my emotions and feelings in a given moment to relay a message of God’s love and hope.
What are your moments of joy? Acknowledge that these moments are a sign of God’s presence in your life.
When do you feel the echo of God’s life within you?
Becky Eldredge
March 15, 2010