Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
DELIGHT OUR HEARTS WITH JOY: FURNISH
WEDNESDAY, WEEK THREE: JOY
What inspires your Joy? Many of our homes are now furnished with joyful decorations of the season; what “furnishings” might be added to your heart-room as reminders of God’s presence with us, our Joy in Christ? Do you envision festive celebrations, quiet moments, seasonal gifts, happy memories, inner gratitude? Are there any tangible reminders of Joy to carry with you this week?
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We adopted this little bench when Jim’s mom moved to a smaller place, and now we sit here to remove our shoes when entering our home. In those moments, I often think of God’s words to Moses at the burning bush, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground,” for I like to envision our home as a spiritual sanctuary for us and our guests to abide (Exodus 3:5).
Even as God gave Moses a very difficult role–one in which he felt inadequate–Moses knew that he was on holy ground in the incredible presence of God. The awe and wonder of that moment before the burning bush must have been a source of courage, inspiration–and Joy–for his purpose and journey ahead.
Truly, all of life is a holy experience beyond our understanding, filled with the creativity and mystery of God’s infinite love. A deep sense of Joy fills my soul when I behold this “ordinary” life with reverence, awe, and wonder; when I, like Moses, sense God’s presence and feel the Joy of the amazing miracle of my existence, the rich purpose of simply being alive and loving God.
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Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).
Glimmers of our Joy in Christ are here with us in our everyday lives. As we begin furnishing our rooms with greater Joy, may we remember that we always begin on holy ground–and may we expect to be surprised.
Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.
~ Henri Nouwen
Bible verses are NRSVUE, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen
Simply Soul Searching 
Beautiful post, Karen! It’s sparking lots of thoughts this morning! May I ramble?
Over the past few years, I’ve done a Marie Kondo number on my life. Declutterring and releasing so many unnecessary things, both physical and spiritual that no longer have a place or meaning in my life. I’m left with clarity about what’s really important, and a very simple life. Gone are the days of accumulating stuff, deep dives into theological discussions, and the idea that I had to make grand gestures to make a difference in the world and peoples lives. What I’m left with is more moments of love and joy!
Bill and I have aged in what seems to be the blink of an eye! Bill is 84, and I am 73. We’re very aware of our own mortality. Yet, along with the daily ups and downs of ageing bodies, there is so much joy in each day. We love God and each other in surprising new ways. Our ways of serving others has changed too. We live in a modest condo neighborhood. In the past, we were so busy with our lives, that we didn’t notice our neighbors needs. As our business has shrunk, God has opened the space and our hearts to those right around us. There are so many simple ways that we can bring joy into the lives of others. Our neighbors, John and Cathy, have raised their grandson since birth. Cathy passed away 2 months ago at a hospice facility. It’s been devastating for John and grandson, Lucas. Christmas will be very difficult for them. We’ve invited them for a nice, quiet Christmas dinner to help them through their day.
I hesitate to share these things because the last thing I need is praise for trying to be a good person. But, I share because I know that no matter what life’s circumstances are, there are always ways to share God’s love, bringing small bits of joy into the lives of others. Now, I’m off to bake cookies. My cookie baking skills are well known among my neighbors!
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Thank you for sharing this, MaryEllen! I love to hear other stories–they inspire and bless me here.
Your life sounds so very similar to Jim’s and mine. We too, decluttered, simplified, and made other lifestyle changes after our serious illnesses in 2015. We too, have simplified our faith and spirituality. And now with the natural changes and rhythms of aging, we are simplifying even more. Love always remains, and we cling to that.
We have been praying for your friend Amy, and now we will add John and Lucas, too. The holidays can be so wonderful and yet so painful, sorrowful for folks. Thank you for serving them well.
Your example is a gift in my life, my friend. May you feel love surrounding you–and sent from WV, too–in these holy days.
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Thank you, Karen! Feeling the love! Amy was discharged from the hospital yesterday. She’s recovering from surgery well but has a long road ahead of her. Still waiting for the lymph node biopsy report, but she’ll have at least 6 months of chemotherapy ahead of her. She has a loving little army of friends and family helping her. Prayers are always appreciated!
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