Summertime Joy

Even in the midst of our trials there is joy....isn't that always the case yet we don't often recognize the joy?

To be transparent, we are really struggling because of my job right now. My hours have been decreased to basically nothing and we are just really finding ourselves wondering what is next. I've networked my eyes out, I've sent my resume all over, we are praying...

So what is next? I don't know and yet, in the midst of this intense and immense stress, we are finding joy. We are finding joy in friends, time together, Doster's humor, Caroline starting to really get yes-mam and no-sir, Mary Anna's beautiful eyes, the pregnancy of my sister, the summer days ahead, the fact that Jason does have lawns that need mowed, our beautiful - yet dirty - home, our church, my much improved health and energy, Caroline's cute tan, the giggles and grins of a newborn, the women who love on this sweet newborn at church, an ice cream snickers bar, the swimming pool, Doster's expressive and hilarious eyes, our family, and on and on.

So why are we so stressed with all this joy in our life?

Reality is still there, I guess, in everyone's life...even amidst all the joy. BUT, it sure is good to be able to feel some of the joy this afternoon and not allow the stress to reign.

My GOD gives me joy even in the midst of the hard stuff...and I'm good with that. :D