SMILE!

 "A glad heart makes a cheerful face..." Proverbs 15:13

Russ and I have been working with Millie Janalee on smiling at us when we play.  I'm not sure if we are there yet, but we are getting close!  It is so fun watching her find her little place in this world.  I love seeing her discover new things and make new sounds.  I already know that her smile is going to be one of my all time favorite things to see.  As I looked back at Millie Janalee's expressions from our "smile practice," I couldn't help but laugh at what I imagine her thinking.  Then, I began to think about how we must look when God asks us to be JOYFUL in all circumstances.  As we waited to become parents, we certainly felt the full range of emotions.  We didn't always feel like being joyful, and to be honest...we weren't always joyful.  Or at least I wasn't.  It wasn't until years of God working on me that I really began to make a conscious effort to be joyful no matter what.

Not the camera!  Really?!

There were days when I looked at God like, "Are you kidding me?! Really?!"  I wasn't feeling it, and I was frustrated about all the time, effort, and disappointment.  I wanted it my way, and He knew better.  He loved me so much that He made us wait for this perfect one.  This sweet girl who has touched so many, and even in the midst of teaching her to smile...she led me to reflect on my own joy.

"Now, how do I do it again?"

There were days when I pleaded with God.  "Do I really have to be joyful right now?  Please don't make me!"  I knew what God's Word said.  I knew He says to "be joyful always," but I remember looking up with pleading eyes and wondering how I was supposed to be joyful in the midst of negative tests, all these shots, disappointments, and watching others enjoy something I had wanted so badly.  "How do I do this?"

What if I just stick out my tongue?  Will that do?

There were many days I felt like just sticking my tongue out at God and throwing a temper tantrum.  I wasn't getting my way, and I wanted to lay on the floor and kick and scream until I did.   Thank you, God, that He didn't give in to my childish ways!

Oh, wait a minute!  Let me play with my hands!

 Of course, there were days I became distracted.  Distracted with making appointments, taking my temperature, checking the calendar, and later checking placements online.  I became distracted with what all I was missing instead of being JOYFUL where God had me then.

I'm trying!

Finally, the day came when I realized what I was missing by focusing on what I was missing.  Hmmm...does that make sense?  I can make a concerted effort to be joyful in so many blessings.  I can be JOYFUL because God sent His only Son for my sins so that I can live forever with Him.  I can be JOYFUL because I am blessed with amazing family and friends.  I can be JOYFUL because He is using me to reach others in similar situations.  I can be JOYFUL because I have an amazing husband...my best friend...who I love!  I can be JOYFUL simply because God is enough.  That's it.  He is enough.  Yes, it is hard.  I think God gives us these trials to strengthen our faith and test us.  And sometimes I think He gives us trials to touch others.  To show them that we can have joy in the midst of failures, disappointment, and sadness.  Can we really follow Him even when things are tough?  Can we really follow His commands cheerfully when we don't get our way?  Sometimes...a lot of times...we certainly don't feel like it.  And most times I felt like I failed.  But God tells us to be joyful...

So smile!

"Be JOYFUL always..." 1 Thessalonians 5:16