Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Pure Joy!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.    James 1:2-4

This was my Bible reading yesterday - along with a devotion from Oswald Chambers that was titled "Developing the Habit of Enjoying Adversity."  Do you think God is trying to tell me something?  As I pondered these verses in my bed, chair, and other chair - the 3 places that I spend my entire day recently, I realized that although I've moved past self pity, I am not anywhere near considering this trial "pure joy."  So I prayed for help to see the joy in the situation.   And this is what showed up at my door today - with my lovely neighbor, Jane - pure joy:





And then I thought about Mother's Day when this showed up at my bedside!!





Pure Joy again! 

There is so much care and kindness delivered to our door each day - and when considering (obsessing over) what I've lost in mobility, I've failed to remember the blessings around me.  God is teaching me dependence on others - something I've never thought I needed - but am beginning to appreciate.  I HAVE depended on others, and just have conveniently forgotten or overlooked their contributions in light of my own capabilities.  Nebuchadnezzar comes to mind - as he strolled about his rooftop and pronounced the enormity of his own achievements.  At least I wasn't sent out to the fields. :) (Although my hair is getting kind of long....)

My new girls love me - but are surviving without my constant presence.  My homeboys and girls have learned life skills and surprised me with their own competence in running a household.  My husband is compassionate and only rarely annoyed with my constant demands. :)  

Amazing how quickly God answers - and through something as simple as a cake.  Thank you to my  friends who act with the hands and heart of Jesus, and thank you family for your constant selfless care.  

Love, Kim

1 comment:

  1. Hey Pal,it doesn't get any better than CHOCOLATE Icing on a cake brought by a dear friend:)
    keep listening, and sharing-I am loving your ponderings and musings-
    hugs

    ReplyDelete