I pray the Fruit of the Spirit over my day every day. Joy is one where I feel would change everything, but I’m too responsible to make time for it. After all, being happy is for people who aren’t serious. They can’t co-exist, can they?
I was reading to my kids when I looked at my son. I was reading one of his favorite books and it had dogs in it. Andrew loves dogs and he was smiling in delight as he listened.
Then it hit me: smile at what makes me happy!
How often do I look at my kids knowing that I love them, would give my life for them, and want the best for them. But do I enjoy them?
Not outwardly.
Not enough.
Not as much as I want.
What makes me not express my delight in my children? Honestly, I’d forgotten how.
Seeing my son smile at a book because it has something he loves changed me.
I started smiling at what makes me happy. At things I like. At ones that I love.
It was strange to realize how little I was expressing joy to my family when I pray for it every morning.
Sometimes adding more joy means looking for the small things I enjoy – and letting my face know to show it.