Choosing Joy - Even in the Middle of Real Life
Hey sweet friend!
I like to find a cozy little space when I write my blogs. Sometimes it’s my sofa…quiet, warm, wrapped in a blanket with my coffee and my dogs nearby. No tv, no music…Just a sweet moment of peace. I prefer this space when I’m diving deep into Scripture, when I need stillness so the Lord can speak clearly.
Other times, I need to get out of these four familiar walls and find a more lively, nostalgic atmosphere. That’s when I slip into a quaint little coffee shop to write. I usually choose that space when I’m working on a more fun-filled blog, because something about the hum of espresso, quiet chatter, and soft music sparks my creativity. Many of my designs and ideas have flowed from a small table, a warm vanilla latte and a heart ready to create.
Coffee is a love language, right? At least it is for me. (Kidding… kind of!) My real love language is quality time, and nothing pairs better with that than a long coffee date with someone who fills my bucket. There’s something sacred about those moments…private, intimate, deep conversations that leave your soul glowing. That, for me, is pure joy. 😊
Speaking of JOY… I’ve often thought about choosing it as my word of the year, but sometimes it feels cliché. Yet the truth is this: joy is a choice, not a result. It isn’t something that magically appears. Sometimes we have to seek it… I mean, heavily pursue it. Life is hard, and if we’re not intentional, it will weigh us down and joy will seem so distant.
When I think about joy though, I cling tightly to Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Joy starts with trust…trusting that God is who He says He is, even in the valleys, even in the busy seasons, even when the world feels heavy and we don’t think He’s even listening.
And here’s the thing… on the outside, we may look perfectly put together. Our hair is done, our makeup is on, we smell nice, we look confident, and to everyone else, we’re the whole package. But inside? Many of us feel broken. And Satan loves to target those cracks and bust them wide open. He is working overtime to steal our joy.
But not today, satan. Not today. That’s what we need to say to ourselves!
Because it is hard…especially on those days when the kids aren’t cooperating, tensions rise with our spouse, bills are piling up, our parents need support, our schedules are overflowing with sports, and we’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Real life is… a lot. Right?
But friend, take this to heart: Psalm 30:5 promises JOY IN THE MORNING.
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
“Joy in the morning” reminds us that sorrow is temporary. Darkness won’t last forever. God brings restoration. He brings new beginnings. He brings the sunrise after the longest nights. His mercy and grace meet us fresh each day.
So today, let’s choose joy…on purpose. Even if it’s hard.
Let’s train our eyes to look for miracles in the ordinary:
• Step outside and take a walk…God’s fingerprints are everywhere.
• Schedule that coffee date with someone who fills your cup.
• Give an unexpected compliment.
• Do a random act of kindness…because serving others stirs joy inside your own heart.
• Turn on worship music and let truth wash over your mind
• Keep a gratitude list, even if it’s just one thing a day.
• Pray simply: “Lord, restore my joy.” He hears you. I promise. 😊
Joy isn’t something we wait for.
It’s something we choose, receive and cultivate…even in the messy middle.
And friend, joy will come. God promises it.
Imagine this wood block sitting on your desk or coffee table. What a precious reminder to CHOOSE JOY even in the hard. Even in the chaos. This would also make a sweet gift for a friend. Find it here: https://littleblockofhappy.com/products/choose-joy-wood-block.
You are so loved,
Kim xo