Choose Joy

Yesterday, Karlee Girl had a dentist appointment. We took the baby doll for good measure, but she was a trooper... she always is a tough cookie when it comes to doctors' offices.


We use a pediatric dentist, and they have their office saturated with kid friendly things. There is an indoor playground, video games, etc. They also had Barefoot Contessa on the big screen, so the wait really wasn't bad, but I couldn't help but listen to the different family dynamics in the room.

There was a grandma who was exhausted.... you could tell that she had become the main care provider for the little ones she had with her. She was kind toward them, overly patient, and at times seemed to be their doormat. She had a rambunctious little boy and a snarky little girl. The boy couldn't stop moving long enough to hear her requests, and the little girl never seemed to be happy with what the grandma was doing for her. Nonetheless, the grandma forged on, patiently taking care of their every need.

On the other end of the spectrum, there was a dad with two extremely well behaved children, who almost looked like soldiers. But, no matter how well they did, it never seemed to be good enough for him. They were walking incorrectly, sliding incorrectly, talking incorrectly... they couldn't even breathe right, or so it seemed.


I really wished that I could swap the children with their guardians.... the grandmother needed the children who were weary from their father's demands... she needed children who needed her. And the man, he needed to really see what bad behavior looks like.

It was a moment that a large trait of the Lord's will became evident - His ways are not always our own. He's definitely working on a bigger plan that what I can see.

It also reminded me that, regardless of how bad we may think things are - they are always worse for someone else.
Sometimes we need to stop and regain our focus on the things that matter - we need to choose joy.
We have had a wonderful few weeks. Busy, but wonderful.
We hosted a 10 year wedding anniversary party.... It was New Orleans themed, as the couple loves to vacation there frequently.

We had gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, fleur de lis shortbread cookies, cake, hurricane punch... so many yummies! But, the best thing was - my house was filled with laughter (loud, belly laughter), tears (they were so appreciative of our efforts and thoughtfulness), hugs, children running and playing...
It was a happy night.

The hubby and I snuck away for a date night. We had sushi, went to the movies, and enjoyed each other. I'm ashamed to say that we haven't had that kind of time together in a long time. It's just part of the parental territory (ha!). I love our little blessing, and I want her with me every waking minute, but I didn't realize how much I craved time with my sweetheart. It was special. And, the little one had much needed time with grandparents... I've decided she likes them more than us, anyway! haha!


I hope that your week is going well, and that you're finding joy in the craziness of life. Even in the midst of a busy, hectic moment - there is joy - we just have to choose to find it.
Hugs to ya!
-Heather
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13