Week #8 Character Development - Joy, Day #50

Joy

”Be joyful always.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Today was one of those days. You know THOSE DAYS. The days where things just don’t quite go as planned. The plan: Wake up, frost and decorate 200 mini cupcake while my husband takes the kids to a breakfast at church, head to the going away party for a dear friend, continue setting up for the party, enjoy the party with my family there, clean up, head to church to work in the toddler room while the rest of the family goes to church. Hmm: Reality – Sick Kids. The kids have had temperatures of 102+ and it has now turned into nasty colds and grumpy children. So, reality had to be the same for me for a bit, but it meant I was now decorating 200 cupcakes with needy kids and then feeling horrible for abandoning my husband to go to the party. I left early so I could come be with them…really be back up for my husband. I was able to cancel my role in the toddler room for the evening. My husband is perfectly capable of handling it, but I didn’t want to make him. So, it was quite fitting when my daughter chose “joy” as our word of the week. The other part of that is that I tried to sit down with the girls to make our word ring for this week, but it didn’t happen. They had really bad attitudes and behaviors at the table, and although there was disappointment that it didn’t happen, I wasn’t going to continue on with their behavior. I know they’re sick, and I probably sound heartless. However, we are trying to instill in our kids that you need to have self control over your behavior even when you are sick or tired. I hope to be able to accomplish the word ring tomorrow, but for today, I’ll give you the definition and reason chosen.

joy

[joi] noun

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.

3.theexpression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

4.astateofhappinessorfelicity.

I’ve also heard it said that happiness can be a fleeting feeling that comes and goes while joy can be a state of being despite circumstances. Happiness can be triggered by outward events while joy comes from within.

Reason Chosen: First off, I gave Abigail a number of words to choose from, and she chose this one. Not shocking. Enthusiasm and joy comes fairly naturally to her. I think it’s important because joy will attract people to Christ. Beyond that, not only do joyful people enjoy life more, but they help others enjoy it too. We want our kids to be able to have joy despite life circumstances. We want them to give energy to others while also treating each task (even the not so desirable ones) with a joyful heart. With the kids being sick, it may be the perfect timing to discuss with them joy amidst hard times. It will be a good time for me to learn it too.