Monday, February 16, 2009

Experiencing Joy--Like a Child!!

As I was considering and praying about what to include in this "JOY" series today, I browsed through some of my pictures, and this one just popped off the page!!



Doesn't that smile just knock your socks off??

This is our precious, precocious, pretty, and playful little granddaughter, Emily.

I snapped this at the beach several weeks ago....one of her favorite places in her little world!


I remember the moment well...It was a breezy day and a gust of wind filled up the skirt of her dress.

She saw it fluff up, made a funny face, and started giggling and twirling in sheer delight!

What a joy to see through a child's eyes, and to enjoy and savor the moment as they do!!

I smiled upon seeing this photo, and lingered in thought. Pure, unbridled joy was what I saw that day. You can get a real sense of it in this photo.

Then I thought...


I need to lighten up! I can learn from this little one to not take everything so seriously...to find and seize the joy of the moment, and to savor it without restraints! We tend to let all kinds of outside influences keep us from really experiencing the full spectrum of the JOY that God gives us in the little and not so little things in life.


This has only increased my desire to experience joy more fully, and to bask in the glimpses of God that He sprinkles in each of my days; gems from His Word, the joy of a new morning, the laughter of a child, a sloppy kiss from my doggy, an up close parking space when it's pouring down rain, that first sip of coffee, the smile of a passerby, lunch with a friend, my hubby's good night kiss... I am going to relish each second of it and all that I can hold on to throughout each day!!


May your week be full of savored joy, and your heart full of gladness!!

Fondly,
Becky

16 comments:

  1. DEAR BECKY,
    WHAT A BEAUTIFUL POST.
    EMILY IS SO PRETTY. I THINK EMILY IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL NAME. THAT WAS THE NAME OF MOTHER'S BEST FRIEND AND SHE HAD TWIN DAUGHTERS THAT I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH AND ARE STILL FRIENDS WITH.
    WHAT I THOUGHT AS I WAS READING ALONG WAS THAT SCRIPTURE THAT TALKS ABOUT A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM.
    WE CAN LEARN SO MUCH FROM OUR CHILDREN. BEAUTIFUL POST ABOUT JOY.
    THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH...I LOVE TO SEE THE CHILDREN SING THAT SONG AND SOMETIMES I JUST SING IT TO MYSELF.
    HUGS
    debbie

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  2. Love the picture of your little granddaughter!! I agree with what you said about finding joy. I was so excited for our son to open one of his presents this morning. It filled me with joy all weekend just to see the look on his face! And it was priceless. His birthday is on Wednesday but since hubby is home today we decided to have him open them a few days early. We got him a cell phone and he was so happy! Made me happy too! Enjoy your day!

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  3. Your granddaughter is a gem! This post is so true and what a joy you bring to us each day!

    Have a joyful Monday Becky!
    Hugs~ T

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  4. Thank you for your post. This is the second time I have read a "joy" post and that makes me think that God is sending a message and I need to get it.

    Happy Presidents Day To You
    from Roberta Anne

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  5. Your grand daughters smile is just lovely and full of life. It shines through her eyes.

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  6. So, very true! The scripture says, Rejoice in the Lord always! Your granddaughter is adorable. Reading about the windy day in your post was like our day yesterday. Very windy as we got out of the car to go into church. The wind caught my hair and blew it everywhere. It is long so I had to twist it and hold it tight. I felt a little irritated until my husand got Mary out or the car and she just squealed and laughed and said, "Windy!" A child's joy and enthusiasm is so infectious:) Have a joyful day my dear friend!

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  7. Great reminder Becky, I'm always so encouraged when I stop by. Emily's smile is contagious and it is much too easy to be "mature" and forget the joys of life. Thanks!

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  8. Good Mon. morning to you Becky.
    Love this "JOYFUL" post!
    And yes, I can learn alot from a child.
    To "Lighten UP" is a biggie! Oh, and Miss Emily is adorable. Thank you for bringing joy to my days. Have a marvelous Monday!

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  9. I love this post. You know I really could hear her giggling. We all need to lighten up...slow down and take in the beauty. You know what...I am going to plan an outing with my family next weekend...take in the beauty and be silly.
    Happy Monday!

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  10. She's precious, Becky! And children really are God's way of reminding us what uninhibited joy and love are all about... for such is the Kingdom of Heaven!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  11. Hi Becky! I have just finished putting everything up on the shelves in my new craft room. I'm beat!

    Now I can get caught up on my blog reading. I'm way behind.

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  12. When I looked at this picture I thought that exact thing---
    Unfiltered delight!
    What a sweetie! And so happy!
    Wendy

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  13. Precious picture! Thank you for sharing your joys!

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  14. She is so precious, Becky. The beach is one of my favorite places in the world too! You're so right - we can all use a reminder once in a while to lighten things up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your precious granddaughter. And thank you for visiting and following Mimi's Garden.

    xo...Kathy

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  15. Your little Emily is so beautiful,and your post was wonderful it is so true .Isn't it amazing what we can see in the eyes of children and how it makes us stop and think about life in a different way.Everytime I look into my grands faces it brings a smile to my face to see all the beauty the world holds.

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  16. Isn't that the truth! We could all stand to lighten up a bit. Your granddaughter is beautiful and she looks so happy, just enjoying her day! I love your beach shots - they always make me want to drive an hour and a half to get to the ocean - lol!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to share some JOY!
You're a blessing to me!