Medicine of Immortality "It's a cold, and it's a broken, 'Hallelujah!'"

Joy in Simplicity and GrandeurPosted by Rachel on August 13th, 2009

I love that it’s the things that cost the least money that usually are the most fun. Rick and I went to the pet store today just to let the kids look at the puppies and kitties, birds and fish, snakes and lizards, and one really disgusting bullfrog. Antonio was thrilled with everything. He is an animal lover to the core. Kyrie loved the puppies and was quite interested in the “bearded dragons,” asking if they could fly, “Because they can fly on DragonTales!” (sigh) It made me happy to see my kids squeal at all the animals and enjoy a free evening, just being curious about the creatures in the world around them.

There are just some things money can’t buy. I mean, yes, money is necessary for us to get by, pay the bills, buy food, have a place to live, etc. But I am most aware of my joy when I am looking at a summer sky streaked with flaming pink clouds resting above the honey-orange glow of a sunset. Or from smelling the crisp, clean night air and looking at the thousands of twinkling stars and a mellow, gleaming moon and knowing that God put it all there. My joy comes from knowing that even though we are so small, so insignificant, just…dust, we’re still loved by a God who pours out His love on us because He is love.

And it comes from the love that I impart and receive every day, to and from my husband and my children. Their kisses and smiles and words of affirmation give me the strength I need to love them back, and clean up after them, and comfort them. And Rick’s never-ending patience and loyalty helps me cope when I would have otherwise given up long ago.

But at the root of it, joy isn’t dependent on a good situation, financial or otherwise. I guess it isn’t really even dependent on beautiful sunsets or starry skies. It’s just knowing that God is love, that He loves me, and that I am here to love and serve Him for eternity. And that’s the source of my joy. Even when I’m not feeling happy, nobody can take away that joy.