No Greater Joy

I wanted to share some thoughts on joy because it is something I struggle with frequently. I don't like to think I am, but sometimes I can be a glass half full type of person.

I focus so much on the negative with my husband, my children, our church family that I really can miss blessings that are right under my nose.

3 John 1:3-4 ~

"It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Yesterday morning at church, three children, including Emily shared about their experience at camp this past July. Then Stephen shared his as well as giving the sermon.

So often I focus on his lack of motivation, his inability to focus, his poor grades, etc. Yesterday morning he BLEW MY SOCKS OFF!!!!

He has never done anything like this before. He stood up and for 35 minutes shared about his camp experience, while showing slides. He read verses on God's protection and shared about how he struggled with anxiety for years and how God has been delivering him from that.

He was poised. He was funny. He kept everyone's attention. He was moving. He preached God's word. He was AWESOME!

I actually was moved to tears at how well he did and how God was using him in our congregation. I was reminded of these verses in I John. I honestly had no greater joy than seeing my son walking in the truth.

And yet, I missed how God has been working in him because I have been focusing on the negative. It makes me want to cry to see how I miss the blessing so many times because I'd rather focus on what's lacking.

I felt led to encourage us all to keep praying for our husbands and children. But also to focus on the good points in their lives. To keep our eyes on the things that are positive and not constantly look at the things that are negative.

Let's keep our attitudes and our thoughts joyful!