when i started writing this blog, i took my time and first pondered what i wanted "it" to be about; or what i am about, really. i knew what i wanted the title to be right away. joy-filled moments: momentos de alegria. as a Christ follower i have so much to be joyful about, that i'm almost numb to good provisions all around me. and yet i knew with firm conviction that giving thanks, speaking joy and living out of the abundance of grace that God has demonstrated in my life would be some of the most important decisions I could make on a daily basis. decisions. yes, i think there is a certain degree of choice in this way of life, especially at the start. do i always think i have something to be thankful for? no. am i always quick to speak words of joy to God and others in my life? sadly, no again. and do i live out of a regular communion with God, relying upon His strength to sustain me? well... let's just say i have room to grow in this area, too :)
and so, today, i commit (once again) to finding the joy-filled moments in life and choosing to share them with others. i hope this heart and lifestyle change will encourage others in their own journeys and maybe even inspire a few to join me in claiming God's goodness in all things. i also hope that this can become a natural and more regular way of living- maybe less of a decision and more of a reaction? one can dream, right?
now is as good of a time as any to start. today i am thankful for choices. yes, i am thankful for choices like what i want to make my family for dinner, or what book to read next, but for today i mean the "big" choices. as my little family wrestles with one such choice, i can be overwhelmed or even fearful about making the "right" choice (if there is one), but i don't think that is how God would want for us to choose. "the mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps" (proverbs 16:9). this means we are given the freedom of choice. to desire and want things. to make plans and dream dreams, all in the context of trust that God is interested in those plans and those dreams. if we are pursuing a right relationship with God, seeking advice and diligently considering the choice at hand, is there really a "right" or a "wrong"? i tend to think, no. God is more concerned with the intentions of one's heart. for that i am grateful. thank you God for seeing my heart and allowing me to dream dreams and make choices, even the hard ones, because you can use those choices to grow my faith, build my character and enrich my life on earth.
