You’ve heard the phrase… “looking for love in all the wrong places.” But what about finding joy in all the right places of today?

I tried not to stare, but I just couldn’t help it.  The scene in front of me at a crowded restaurant last Sunday brought joy to my Now.  Let’s be honest… often these days social media bombard the airways into our homes with such negativity that often we fail to see goodness all around.

I’m a victim of this. This past entire year has been a struggle at times since my ankle surgery last July 10, and the inability to  walk normally. I can allow myself to focus on the heaviness in the atmosphere, and my Polly Anna nature sinks. If I am not intentional in the search for positives in a world quite full of madness, I can  tunnel down a path of sadness and disappointment.  I try to stay off that path as much as I can…

I continued staring, between bites and discreet glances, describing to Tom what was happening at the table near us. I counted the children around the table; I noticed how they acted and reacted to each other. The mother was so calm; there was a joy shared as she interacted with her three older girls as she held a small baby.  A two-year-old boy sat by his dad.

Everyone was kind to the other, smiles and laughter; I could hardly believe what I was seeing.  The mother and father, sitting across from each other, talked together and/or answered a child at times. Of course, the little girls got up and ran to get an ice cream (at Jason’s Deli—everyone gets free ice cream); one brought her daddy a small cone, the same small serving they had each gotten.

I was mesmerized at the kindness displayed right in front of me.  I knew it was real. Children are the same in public as they are at home; they cannot pretend.  I do know family dynamics—we had four active ones! Yet, this moment last Sunday was magical! 

Tom and I finished lunch, and on our way out, I stopped at their table, “It has been a joy watching your family today; you have so encouraged me.”  We swapped history a bit, and I asked if they were believers.  It was then, the young mother smiled, “Can I tell you how we were saved?”

She briefly shared parts of a beautiful journey and then promised to email her testimony. She shared how God’s redemptive love and grace pursued them again and again. She told  of them living unmarried with two children, and how, now, five years later, she and her husband have found God’s forgiveness and salvation. Their joy was contagious. I was reminded of the verse in I Peter 1: 8… ‘Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled  with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

Seeing their happiness at that moment gave me renewed hope.  I realize again and again how God changes lives for His purpose. It strengthens faith to hear stories like this.

Have you seen the movie “I Still Believe”? It’s the story of the singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp and how his faith grew even through the illness and death of his young wife. Wow! He has used his story to encourage millions, sharing hope for those going through life’s difficulties.

We can use our stories, our journeys, our experiences, bringing joy to those around us.

A friend sent me the following link today: one I had not seen.  I so appreciate this pilot sharing his emotions with the entire plane…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK-qsQxBc5m/?igsh=MjhpMXF3cWI1dDF3

Everyday happenings, everyday people… sharing joy in the everyday moments.

“Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. Surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11,12). 

 Today, I find joy in the blueberry patch!  I consider every potential pink one a gift …                               

Every good and perfect gift comes from above… James 1:17.