Normally I speed around in my mini-van.
I mean, not really speed {after several speeding tickets about seven years ago I average about 2 miles above or under the posted limit. True story.}
As the holiday season advances, my life speeds and gets continually faster and faster. I spend more and more time in my car, especially as December gets eaten away by Christmas programs and Holiday Parties and making extra sure I have everyone’s gift and plate of cookies ready to go and by the end of it I’m exhausted and spent.
Finally December 24 comes and I stuff little girl legs into tights as we pull the tags off of Christmas dresses together. We rush down the stairs, frantically look for shoes and get everyone in the mini-van {again} to speed off to church.
Where has my December gone? The joy? The slowness of enjoying things and relishing in the quietness in a heart that December should bring?
I decided that this year would be different. 2009 made me want to pack up the kids, get in the car and go anywhere but here for Christmas 2010.
We aren’t jetting off to an undisclosed location to celebrate our holidays {like I wished 11 and a half months ago} but I am figuring out how to celebrate Christmas in a slower, more deliberate way.
Even among the millions of details.
And the Christmas programs,
the nights that are just as busy as the days.
And the Advent calendar candy candy candy every morning for the kids.
November was a particularly difficult month for me. I got some bad news. I had some relationship-fractures. And then I let it all take me down. But, on a day that you prayed for me, I had an idea.
I decided that I would offer up my own self as an experiment. Would intentionally looking for the JOY that is already beneath my fingertips change me? Would spending the entire month of December searching, photographing and watching my life {and the lives of others} for JOY, would that create JOY in my own heart?
I wondered.
And then I invited my blog readers to come along with me even before I knew what would happen.
It’s called the 100 Joys project. Every day I am intentionally searching for simple but noteworthy joys in my life. I’m photographing them. And I’m counting.
And almost from the beginning the experiment seems to be working.
I’ve had to force myself to stop. And watch. And look. And note the things that make me smile. And if nothing shows its face, I don’t give up. My heart is different than it was 14 days ago.
I’d like to invite you to come along too.
To read about how to be a part of the 100 Joys project, click here. Every Monday this month I’ll be doing a link up so that you can see how JOY is infiltrating the hearts and lives of other women around the web. Also, to be a part you can hashtag your tweets #100joys.
It’s not too late: You can slow down. You can rest, even now. And if you look you can find the joy that’s right beneath your fingertips.
Have you been able to find JOY despite the busyness of the season?
Written by Sarah Markley, The Best Days of My Life
Leave a Comment
Galen Pearl says
Great idea–count me in! At a time when many of us feel stressed and our only list with 100 things on it is the “to do” list, how lovely to consciously seek and record our joys. This reminds me of the 1000 Gifts list. I am not a photographer, but there are many ways to make a record.
Here is the beginning of my list:
1. Your inspiring post
2. My old dog who is lying on my bed right now hoping I’ll come over and rub her ears (I will)
3. The bowl of my favorite cereal I just ate
4. The sun peeking through after heavy rains that woke me in the wee hours
5. My Christmas cards waiting to be mailed to friends and family (I can turn this chore into a joy!)
Thank you so much!
Melissa Brotherton says
Today my joys include:
1. The return of winter weather after a couple of days of summer heat (ugh! 80s in December)
2. Listening to Charlie Brown Christmas CD with my kids.
3. The twinkle lights on my Christmas tree.
4. The smell of coffee filling my home…
I’ve said it before on your site, and I’ll say it again, I love this series! Thank you for reminding us to look for joy! 🙂
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama says
I love being able to peek into the nooks and crannies of what brings your heart joy, in this way, Sarah. It’s beautiful.
Melissa says
although i haven’t “played” along in your series it has prompted my heart.
i’m learning that a plastic christian “everything’s-just-fine” smile is not joy.
joy has overcome my state of mind in the last couple of days. my circumstances haven’t changed, my sorrows over loss of my dad and family divisions still run deep in my heart, but His joy has been my strength to get through my days (get out of bed) and unexpectedly i’ve caught myself anxiously excited for what God will do.
thank you for challenging me to be filled with his joy no matter what.
Living the Balanced Life says
I have had a tough year and decided I just was NOT going to do Christmas like we have before with all the craziness. We have made some choices to step back and it has definitely helped. To be honest, I can’t say I ‘feel’ joyful, however, I am finding joy in little things, like an awesome cup of hot chocolate, or playing with my puppy, and meeting my 18 year old’s new boyfriend.
I believe that taking care of myself, lots of prayer and writing will help my joy to return in 2011!
Bernice
http://livingthebalancedlife.com/2010/how-to-lose-the-negativity/
Holley Gerth says
Oh, girl, coming home after an exhausting day this is just what my heart needed. The joy I’m most thankful for right now? You, sweet friend, YOU.
Debbie says
I’ve been joying with you, Sarah . . .just not blogging it. 🙂 It has helped so much. Every time I start to stress, I stop to look for joy instead. Joy stops stress dead in it’s tracks! Thank you! Who knew? 😉
Andrea says
What a beautiful and timely concept. I found some joy today in what seemed dull an unproductive.
1. Got in some good, quality alone time with my eldest
2. Got in some good, quality snuggle time with the whole family when I should have been folding laundry.
3. Managed to score an amazing deal on supplies for charity food baskets
4. Got the outside of the house fully lit up 🙂
I’ve shared your post on a devotional blog I write for called DropsOfLivingWater.com. Thank you for some great food for thought and sharing how it is changing your heart.
frogla says
recently, i’ve let some things (relationships) bring me down & honestly the Christmas holidays are a burden right now. i will spare you of all the details. i need prayer. i am depressed. i don’t “feel” joy right now but i can share what i am grateful for. that God knows what He’s doing and He has a big picture in mind that I can’t see. I’m grateful that He is trustworthy, faithful, and there w/e i call to Him. I’m grateful for ppl like you who challenge me in the midst of the worst time of my life. I’m grateful for laughter, for friends who get me, for my freedom in Christ. I’m grateful for everyone who has encouraged inspired and fought for me in this battle. I’m grateful that God provides for me with everything I need and more. I am grateful for His forgiveness, His unfailing love mercy and grace! I am grateful when I can’t He can. I’m grateful for His Words. I’m grateful for where I am, where I’m headed. I’m grateful for being able to see His perspective of these dark times. I’m grateful that He doesn’t lord over me rules lists and regulations. This has been a very good exercise. Thnx Sarah!
Bonnie Gray says
Slowing down & resting.. now that is the work of Christmas! Thanks, Sarah for always sharing bright words. Enjoyed your photos and the encouragement!