I will choose JOY

I will choose JOY, despite circumstance or situation, I am deciding to choose JOY.

Even when the pain hurts, I will choose JOY. When You, God, are working through my past of heart break, forgiveness, and regrets, I will press into choosing JOY. Life is meant for more than dwelling on the thoughts of regrets from a relationship I thought I so desired for two years or the longing to be singing dissonant Whitacre chords again. Life is meant to be lived in the present. There is JOY in freedom, love, and forgiveness. So I will choose JOY.

Even when there is pain and uncertainty, I will pray for a miracle and comfort through those mourning the death of the “brightest” person I knew and through the health of the child with cancer. When I feel alone, homesick, and desire to be back in my community, I will try my best to press into JOY because it is a choice.  It is a decision to live in the present and see God in my midst.

So above all, I will seek the JOY around me. I will dig into prayer and scripture with the house Mom’s as we all continue to see how the Father delights in us. I see JOY in the continued laughter and smiles from the children’s faces. I see their JOY despite their previous circumstances of abuse and neglect, but yet

They smile.         They laugh.         They choose JOY.        And so shall I.

I see the Lord working in and around them everyday reminding me that He is the very essence of love and that in its self is JOY. 

The past few weeks have been super fun! My ministry has mainly been at the children’s home. I have taught in the classroom, led devotionals for the house Moms and kids, painted some rooms and tickled and chased the kids countless times. We walk to ministry with the school kids in the community and have a beautiful view every morning. I spent one of the days at the other ministry called Sepheo (meaning “Purpose” in Sesotho) helping with their English. Sepheo is a school for boys who were once on the street. Lesotho has been an amazing experience, beautiful sights, and welcoming people.

PS. You pronounce Lesotho “La-sue-to” for those wondering! 🙂