Make room for joy

The joy of the Lord is our strength right? We hear this in songs, and read it too in God’s word (Nehemiah 8:10), but how are we doing with finding joy?

Lately I have been asking myself this question: “Are you making room for joy?” It is an important part of life. I have had times where I am so busy “doing” - I forget joying (that is most likely not a real word but let’s just go with it). It’s like this - we can live in cluttered lives just like we can live in cluttered homes. My life can be so cluttered that by the time I have a moment of calm - I just want to sleep. Do you get that way? Can I encourage you? This weekend or whatever your weekend is for you, seize some joy.

Here’s some ideas:
Go somewhere new. Take a mini road trip or even do the staycation route and visit a store you have never been to. Create some pictures in your mind, and sure, take some with your cell phone too! Our Promise FM Community Calendar is a good spot for local events. For some Michigan specific things to do check out Pure Michigan.

Try something different. Grab that cookbook you never open (don’t tell me I’m the only one) and pick a random recipe. Read a book in a genre you don’t typically read. Color. Do a puzzle. Paint some rocks and then leave them for others to find on a walk.

Do something silly. Sing loudly in your car. Send silly texts with lots of fun gifs to a friend, spouse, loved one. Get some bubbles and go blow them outside. Have a water balloon or squirt gun fight.

Lastly, savor. Stop and savor the feeling of each event. Find your joy.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13