Joyful Things

I came across this verse this morning, and the reminder feels so good. In all the muck and mire that is sanctification, in all the wound-healing, joy is for those who follow Christ. Joy in Him doesn't come cheap; it's not the world's fleeting happiness, which never satisfies. It may take a while to see it, but even trials ultimately bear the fruit of joy, making it about Christ's work, not anything we have achieved. I'm seeing that after many long, hard struggles, I am slowly able to give myself permission to let Him lift me out of bondage and rest in the joy that He brings.

Papi had a quiet, simple joy. He lived a Christlike life daily before me, not doing anything fancy or drawing attention to himself, but finding deep satisfaction in the quietness of his life:

Papi (Antonio "Blanco" Jimenez) not long after he left the bondage of Cuba and settled in Spartanburg, SC.
He loved his plants and flowers, and was grateful for rainwater, which was best for watering them.

Papi in pre-Castro Cuba, lovingly caring for his chickens. 

When the past isn't always pleasant, God can take the sweet memories and use them to bring us comfort, and see Him in those places. I was unaware as a child of how God was showing me Christ through Papi, the realness of a meek, humble, yet deep and fulfilling life. I can take my memories of him now and treasure them, thanking God for Papi's example, and asking Him to help me live this out, too: "For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." (Ecclesiastes 5:20).

We have a beautiful hydrangea that hasn't bloomed since we moved to our house two years ago. I never had to do a thing to the one at our former residence; it could be counted on to produce beautiful blooms each year. This time, I decided I had nothing to lose, so I trimmed it back some. Sure enough:

What joy! God makes beautiful things even on this side of Heaven. I can't fathom what eternity will be like! I love these blooms, and I know Papi would have, too.

Are you familiar with Shopkins? They are the rage with my young girls, little figures shaped like groceries, clothing, furniture, with cute faces. They love to collect these, and lately when they have a little money, it's off to the store we go to get more:

I snapped this photo the other day when they combined all their Shopkins in a pile, and went one by one taking turns choosing them. What fun for little girls! I would've loved these as a child, and told my girls I can imagine being with my best elementary school-age pal, Jennie Todd, collecting and trading little figures like this. I delight in their joy over these, and love the memories they will have.

Here is another picture I took, just yesterday, on the way back to the mountains from Spartanburg:

Street names are fun, and this one has always intrigued me. Where do you suppose the name Old Furnace came from? I've tried to discover its history, but am unable to uncover anything. If any Spartanburg researchers want to take a stab at it, be my guest.

Finally, one of my biggest delights is in books, as you know. The Lord has used reading to provide me with deep joy and healing. I love to read my own books, but there's nothing like curling up with my girls on either side of me, having them beg me, "Keep reading!!!" Here are two we have enjoyed recently:

The first, Trina, we are still reading. What a sweet find for 30 cents at a local used bookstore! It follows the story of a Mexican family living in a boxcar in a tiny Wyoming town, along with other families whose heads work on the railroad. Trina struggles to learn English, and is desperate for the friendship of the town's English-speaking children. She learns to overcome her fear of messing up, and plunges into the scary yet rewarding task of learning to communicate in a foreign language. 

We just finished Mrs. Piggle Wiggle after many laughs. As I like to get into character by imitating the voices of the people, I was quite challenged by the hilarious ones in this story. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is an eccentric older lady whose talent it is to cure the town children of various bad habits: having messy rooms, not going to bed on time, not taking a bath, fighting with siblings, being picky eaters, etc. The girls and I were sorry to have this book end, but we're glad there are several sequels.

Joy is all around. I'm learning that heart-healing and coming out of bondage mean giving myself permission to see it and live in it. "For freedom Christ has made us free; stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Keep praying, keep fighting the good fight of the faith, keep asking God to heal, keep walking into painful places in order to let them go for good. He is faithful, and we can trust Him to bring order and joy.

Until next time...