Joy

I've been pondering joy this week. Everyone has their own definition, I think. I mean, sure, there's a definition in the dictionary, but I mean a deep, personal meaning of the word joy. I look around at my little corner of the world, and very few (outside of my own family and a few close friends at work) are joyful people. I find myself surrounded so often by people who struggle with life. Struggle with finding peace. Struggle with enjoying life.

Well, this break, I have found peace, love, and joy. I came into this break needing a break in a way I've never needed one before. And, I feel God has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I am often amazed that I'm amazed that God gives us what we need when we need it, when He so faithfully does it time after time.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Live, laugh, love." I feel I've done all three this week. Let me share...

1. I have played with two wonderful pups. They have loved me and I have loved them and played with them in a way that has brought me joy.

2. I spent time at IHOP-KC and at the Onething Conference. I find myself deeper in God than I was before the break began. And, within that, I have a deeper sense of peace than I've felt in 2 months. That is priceless in my book, and brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

3. I have spent a lot of wonderful time with my parents. We seem to have started something that I hope becomes a tradition while I'm home on break. We have watched movies that were family favorites when I was growing up. A Few Good Men, Shawshank Redemption, and A Scent of a Woman were a few of them. And, the fun part was the fact that we often said the lines with the movie, and laughed as we did it. In it, those moments were priceless...and have brought joy to my life.

4. Laughter. We have laughed at the dogs, movies, tv, and just silly stuff here and there. That was something I hadn't been doing much of prior to break. Once again...priceless...

So now you're wondering, am I sad break is coming to a close?

No.

I am not sad because I know that everything that has been deposited in me this break is going to make me a better teacher, friend, and overall person to be around.

"Live, laugh, love."

That's my new goal in life...

Later!