Professor Mom - Authentic Home Education » joy

The Habit of Joy

Heather Shanks — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:12:50 +0000

One spiritual habit that has changed my journey is seeking the joy of the Lord. That sounds a little nebulous, doesn't it? Maybe a little too common sense? Let me explain.

I grew up in a traditional, Protestant church – and for the record I still go to a traditional, Protestant church. I saw theology, but little of the experience of God. Today, I also see many churches that focus on the experience of God and pay little attention to the theology. My view is that you need depth in both pieces to create a sound faithwalk. Experience coupled with ignorance builds your faith on a shaky foundation. Theology without joy steals meaning.

So, in these traditional churches, we had a great deal of instruction and a great deal of liturgy, really a great deal of tradition. But, I rarely heard anyone speak of how the Lord had touched their lives in a specific or deep way. As I got older, I found more and more people who shared those experiences. My own view of the Lord became more well-rounded. It was like taking a piece of swiss cheese and filling in the wholes with bread. Cheese and bread both taste good, but together, they complement and enhance each other.

As I pulled theology and experience together, I noticed one element that united them… the joy of the Lord. The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit includes joy. My experiences of God were joyful.

This is what Noah Webster, the great man of language and faith, had to say of joy:

"The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good."

Notice that this definition of joy does not simply include rejoicing over something that has happened or is happening. It speaks specifically to the expectation of good. This was a piece that I missed for many years. Then, one of our pastors gave a sermon on this very subject. His point was that God wants to gift us with the desires of our hearts. God isn't sullen and stingy. We are His children. When we seek Him, He delights in giving good.

I had heard that before, however, this sermon touched me in a way that I actually understood what that meant.

Taking that expectation of good, and bringing it into my everyday world, has caused a shift in how I look at my day. Do I still struggle? Yes. Can life be difficult? You bet. Sadness, anger – are they all still there? They are. But, when the darkness comes, I can look ahead and feel joy in the midst of all of the junk. He promises that the fruit of His Holy Spirit is joy. It is with anticipation that I can then feel joy of the coming good.

Choosing Happiness

Heather Shanks — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:39:37 +0000

This morning, I tucked into my latest book, Choosing Happiness, by lifestyle guru, Alexandra Stoddard. I always look forward to reading Alexandra's books. They inspire me and uplift me and give me a renewed sense of peace. This experience has been no different.

For one thing, her books are as beautiful to look at as they are to read. This one has cobalt blue ink and the quotes on the margins are a lovely fuschia. Just looking at words in these colors is pleasing to the eye.

The content is full of heart-warming life examples, which always make me reflect on how I can incorporate more of the message into my everyday life. The following is my brief takeaway for the day. In light of the time of year, may it encourage all of you to step back and allow yourself to be mindful of what you are doing so that you can actually enjoy it!

To choose happiness is to choose mindfulness and, in your mindfulness, to choose joy. Deep, isn't it?

Mindfulness is being present in what you are doing in each moment. Rather than dwelling on "what's next?" you focus on your current task before you move on to something else. Choosing joy goes back to the whole concept of PMA (you will hear me use that phrase regularly, it's one of my favorite acronyms – Postive Mental Attitude.) Acknowledging your position, whether you are on a beach in sunny Florida or scrubbing a bathroom floor, and giving it its due, allows your heart to recognize the value of where you are. Then, you can approach your activity with gratitude rather than angst or apathy.

Mind you, I really despise scrubbing the bathroom floor:-) But, when I take a moment and remember why I am doing it (to keep our home clean and germ-free), that I can do it (my body is capable), and who is blessed by it (not just me, but my family as well), I am encouraged enough to at least finish the job well.

These are three things I am going to do today to be more mindful:

1 – Finish this post with the energy it deserves without thinking about the next item on my to do list. It is such a pleasure to interact with all of you, I am going to take the time to enjoy it!

2 – Go scrub my kitchen. Yep, sounds fun, doesn't it? However, my kitchen really needs it as our entire family has had the flu over the course of the last two weeks. Today, I am going to be thankful that I feel well enough to do it.

3 – Sit with my still-sick child and read a few good books to him and his brother on the couch. We are going to turn the tree on and cuddle. I am going to put all of the projects I am behind on out of mind and put my energy into helping my son to feel better.

Why don't you pick your three things right now, before you click off?

That's it, I wish you a day of mindful happiness.

PS – I got Alexandra's book at Barnes and Noble online for $5.98. This one is about 6 years old and it was in the bargain book section. Beautiful and affordable… music to a mom's ears!