Five Minute Friday: Finding Joy

Sharing 5 minutes.
On Friday.
One of my favorite times of the week.
Hope you enjoy it along with me.

This week's topic......JOY

GO.

"You are my JOY."

That is what my granny used to say to me.

It's funny because I cannot really remember why or how or when it started exactly, but I remember FEELING that in my heart.

I knew it was true.
Joy was my friend, my anthem, my song.

My mom had taught us, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" and "Praise Him in all things."

But never was that joy tested so harshly as in the trials of the past few years.

Infertility.
Chronic Health Issues.
Life-altering Earthquake.
Cross-Continental Moving.
Sabbatical from Full Time Ministry.

Where is joy now?

Where is that peace and love and desire to just sing and serve and simply BE with Jesus?
Oh how I always loved to be with Jesus...from the time I was a little girl.

And then...

Joy left.

She was my friend, my constant companion, my security, my rest.

{sigh}

I pause as I write because I know that she was my gift - not only for myself, but also to the world.

And that made the enemy mad.

So....

He threw "the kitchen sink" at me....

and eventually....

I gave in.

And joy seemed GONE. FOR. GOOD.

And yet, I know she is not.

We may be like the prodigal and his father trying to find their way back to each other, but I know she isn't far. She is there calling my name - like deep calls to deep the Bible says.

And I realize...when we find each other again.

REALLY.
AND.
TRULY.
FIND.
EACH.
OTHER.

Oh what a reunion!!!

Then, I think, I will understand her a little better...hopefully a lot better.

I'm looking for you again, Joy....can't wait to see you soon!

I've missed ya.

STOP.

Okay so I went a little over 5 minutes today, but I really wanted to share my heart in this because well....I must.

I must.

Would you like to read some more 5 minute posts about joy or maybe link up yourself? You'd be so welcome!!

Hop on over to The Gypsy Mama...I promise....it will warm your heart....and your lips! ;-)