highlights of joy...

Approaching an afternoon... in the middle of a full week... one of those where I really don't know how everything will get done...

Highlights of joy... surprise... and strengthen...

The first came in entering the room where I teach the fourth graders Bible on Wednesday afternoons... a mission that can be daunting... and sometimes I wonder... Why am I doing this...?

He encouraged me today... with one of those unexpected... unprompted... unreasonable... bursts of joy in my heart... spirit...

Just approaching the whiteboard to erase... and prepare... filled my heart with joy...

I smiled... and said to Him... Yes... I love Your Word... and I get to share it with others today...!

"... the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

The second joyful burst came in response to news from a dear sister in Christ... an opportunity... blessing... to rejoice with one who rejoices... it came with a high-pitched squeal bursting from my lungs...

The kicker to this opportunity to rejoice with her... is she is one with whom I've also mourned...

Rejoice with those who rejoice;

mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:5

The third... from a son... sharing his misadventures at the store... silly-joy... slapstick-esque... pants splitting reaching for items on a lower shelf...  he tells the story with humor... a light in his eye...

And the outfit he came home in accentuated the joy...

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart...

Proverbs 15;30

Finding highlights of joy...
in Him...
in church family...
at home...

Highlights of joy...
lightening the load...
of a very full week...

Praise Him for joy... and laughter...

A joyful heart is good medicine...

Proverbs 17:22 ESV