So. The blog has been a little heavy lately. I realize that.
I can get melancholy about all the things and it can be a little much for some people.
So today I thought I would brighten your inbox with a few funnies from my favorite little people.
My kids are always giving such great advice to me and Peter. They are actually really hilarious and it’s often hard to keep a straight face when they’re talking to us.
A few months ago, I walked in as Peter was apologizing to Jonah for yelling at him. Jonah responded with: “Dad, it’s ok. You can just replace the yell with a disappointed or sad face.”
Oh how I love that boy!
One night at dinner we were talking about how we can often worship things other than God. Our conversation quickly got out of control.
Jonah: Well, God is #3 on my list.
Me: Ok… What are #1 and #2?
Jonah: Well, puppy is #1, video games are #2, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are #3, and poker is #4.
At least he’s honest?? sigh….
One more:
One evening Vivi asked me if she could have dessert and Peter told her she needed to wait for a bit. Vivi looked at Peter, pointed to me, and said, “Why do you always take control of her situation?”
Y’all. I can’t even.
I know many of you have stories similar to these that you can relate to. Sometimes it’s easy to blow off our kids, ignoring their little snarky remarks, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, blow up over their snide comments. Peter and I have tried to make a point of writing down as many of these little comments as we can. I love the comic relief reading through some of their sayings brings me after a hard day. I usually end up laughing so hard that I cry.
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
I want to have a joyful heart but sometimes it’s difficult. Little irritations arise between siblings, I burn the dinner, or something comes up at work that interferes with my plans for the evening.
But even in the middle of all the mundane exasperating things, we should have joy.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
How do you cultivate joy in your everyday life? What’s your secret to choosing gladness over stress? I’d love to hear your heart on this topic.
Father, as we go through our week, enduring stress and anxiety, help us to see Your face. Allow us to feel Your joy down in the very souls of our being and show us how to cultivate joy in the mundane.