Hello Everyone,
Jesus has been showing me lately about enjoying little pleasures and how fulfilling they can be. Simple things. The other day I framed a handmade doily and some crocheted hankies that my Grandmother had made. I wanted to do this for years and it gave me such joy! Sometimes life gets so busy that we put doing these fun things on the back burner.
Have you ever noticed how little children have such fun and get such joy from the simple everyday things? It just comes naturally to them. They look with wonder on a butterfly, a soap bubble, or a firefly at night. They take such pleasure in these things. That’s probably one reason why Jesus loved being with children. They’re carefree. Children don’t worry about what they eat or wear. (Luke 12:22-31)
As adults, we take for granted the things in which children find joy. We need more and more spectacular things to make us happy. Yet I think that’s one reason Jesus tells us to become as children again. They see through His eyes. Do we trust Him enough to let go of our worries and have fun?
It’s not always easy these days and we can find lots of things to be concerned about. It’s not that we should bury our heads in the sand. We have to be aware of what’s going on in the world around us. Yet there needs to be a balance in our lives.
As a little girl, I loved being with my Grandmother and Aunts. They would always have such fun. They would laugh and tell stories of when they were young. They would take such pleasure in the little things. You would think, going through the Great Depression, that they would have become sour or bitter. Not so. They appreciated the little things.
Joy is an attitude that’s not just for the young, but for the young at heart.
Cares of this world choke out joy, like the seeds sown in thorny soil. (Matthew 13:22) We not only have trouble hearing the Lord, we can’t seem to have fun with Him. Jesus loves laughter. At times in prayer, He’ll tell me something in my spirit to make me chuckle and I sense it’s because He wants to see me smile instead of thinking of problems.
My husband knew how to have simple joy. I can remember one day, we were holding hands, walking down a street lined with vendors and just enjoying the day. All of a sudden, he started skipping! Holding his hand, I had to skip right along with him – much to the joy of the people around us. Can you imagine seeing a middle-aged couple, skipping – who ever heard of such a thing? Simple pleasures make memories that bring joy. Remember when…….I imagine Jesus was smiling too.
Has Jesus been speaking to your heart about having fun lately? Even if you’re going through a difficult situation – and most of us either are or have been at some time in our lives – Jesus wants us to be joyful. He loves to see us smile.
So take a “joy pill” today. Do one joyful thing a day – laugh – read a funny book, watch a funny movie, have fun with a friend – and watch how the weights lift off your shoulders. When we have Jesus, we have joy. For joy really is – Jesus Over You!
Blessings, Evelyn
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This is the best blog ever.. such a true story. My Dad always said, “Stop and smell the roses”. Meaning, enjoy everything you can for what its worth.
Life it too short to focus on negative. There is something positive in everything we see and do. Focus on the positive.. It will make the wold a better place for everyone.
Dear Christine,
Thank you so much for responding. Your Dad has a lot of wisdom. I think that sometimes the wisdom of the older generaton is lost in us because of all the new technology and time we spend on it. If we take the time to rest and enjoy what the Lord has given us, He can speak His wisdom into our lives. There’s such a wealth in enjoying the simple things and being as a child again. We get fresh revelation, new energy and hope.
God bless you!
Evelyn
We enjoyed reading ” Joy Pill ” it puts many things in perspective. How wonderful it is to be around people who make you laugh and look at the brighter side of life. Keep up the good work.
Dear Ardeth,
Thank you so much! It is fun to be around people who have joy – like the begets in the Bible – joy begets joy, a smile begets a smile – but a frown also begets a frown. I so much more like to be around the ones who smile!
Blessings, Evelyn
Dear Evelyn,
This was just the medicine I needed, not just for today, but for every day. A “joy pill” — no side effects, guaranteed to work, long lasting effects, and even helps those around us. We smile, G-d smiles, those around us smile, the sun shines around us, and everything smells so much brighter. Thank you, dear friend. You put a great big smile on my face and in my heart. I can’t wait to see what Jesus has in store for us tonight, tomorrow, and every other day. I think I’ll ask Him to tell me a joke now, so tah tah! I’m making a silly face, can you see it! Oh to be a child again — yes, all our cares just melt away. Thank you!
Dear Sherry,
You are soooo funny! You do know how to spread joy – even without the “joy pill”. The best part about joy is that it is contagious. When one starts laughing, then those around will start laughing – even if they don’t know why! Thank you for amking me smile too!
Blessings,
Evelyn