JOY in the Journey!

Todd and I have been dealing with...well...shall we say, some unexpected events happening in our lives right now. And I am once again forced to grasp my heel straps and pull up. But how do you do that when you feel like you spend a majority of your time in the down position? How do we find JOY?

I think God is trying to teach me this very important lesson. It has been occurring in my life a lot recently. I think he has been asking me, "Kristina will you choose joy in ALL circumstances?"

When I first got my job at the school I was so overwhelmed. Overwhelmed being back in the work force again, being placed in a special ed classroom with NO training what so ever, and the overwhelmingness of some of the kid's issues that on an hourly basis invades my circle of personal space and sense of hygiene. I remember everyday crying out to God to please spare me this feeling of dread,or to find me another job, and to just simply get me thru my day.

And then one day, at the leading of God, I changed my prayers. I simply asked for God to give me joy in my job and in my day, and thru these children. I'll never forget that first day. I actually laughed that day. It went by so quickly. It was as if I saw everything thru a new set of glasses. Or should I say God goggles?

It finally dawned on me that God wants us to have joy in all circumstances. BUT we have to choose it. God is waiting for us to just ask him for it. And when we have joy you know what is cool? We have strength to face whatever circumstance that comes our way.

Nehemiah 8:10b
"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength."

I understand that verse better now. I love my job! I really enjoy working with these kids. They have taught me so much about strength and unconditional love. And God has justified me in the process. When I was homeschooling my girls someone close to me said I shouldn't be. I wasn't qualified to teach, wasn't smart enough, strong enough, patient enough, or disciplined enough. It really hurt to hear that from someone I love. And those words have been ringing in my head for months now. They have no idea how deep they wounded me that day. And I had no idea that God was about to take the sting away and replace those words with, "Good morning Miss Kristina." I just smile every time one of my students says that! I have learned in a few short months to have patience and discipline in this classroom. You have to in order to work with special ed classes. Ours is a tough class, but very precious to me. And God has redeemed me in my own head and the other words are a faded memory. All because I asked for JOY.

So, how do I apply it to our current circumstances? I once again am on my knees asking for joy. Mind you that is after I have wasted 3 whole days being angry! Oops! I guess I still have a few things to learn.

I don't know what the future holds in any part of my life. I don't know when my beautiful Haitian children are coming home. I don't even know when I will be able to see them again. But I do know I can have JOY in this journey called life! I hope you find yours today! Remember, all you have to do is ask. He is waiting and willing to pour it out on you today...in this very minute!

Ps. 62:5-8
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Thank you God for my joy!
Hugs, Kristina