The fruit of the Spirit is... joy

Galatians 5:22

Joy.

It's been on my mind continually.

I want to be full of joy. Joy that bubbles up from the depth of my being.

When I look for joy, I find it everywhere and see God's hand in my life in very intimate ways.

Sally Clarkson

When I look for joy.

Stopping to look changes everything.

No longer do I see things just as they are.

a mess that needs to be cleaned up or stopping to see...

the joy of sisters playing together quietly during school.

I choose the latter. I smile, they play and when school is over we work on cleaning it up together.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

There is no reason to get irritated instead I seek to find joy. Joy even in the little things.

John 15:9-13

Continue in His love... that joy might remain in me...

And yet another mess. Did you notice that this girl knows how to make a mess?

I want to choose joy... to let love fall down.

A sweet little girl playing... finding joy in being a mommy.

I sit down and we play together. She tells me her babies name and where they are going.

A smile crosses my lips. Joy flows and my heart whispers praises to God. We have to much to be thankful for.... so much to be joyful over.

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

Mother Teresa

It happens in a million different ways each and every day. A choice. Irritation, frustration, even anger... or choosing to find joy... choosing to let a smile cross our lips.

Lord, help me to always see with your eyes. To let love fall down. To choose joy.