Joy...

I can honestly say that I don't live with a lot of joy in my life.  Certainly there are joyful moments, but do I feel the lasting contentment that comes with joy?  No.  I do not.  Instead, I'd say that in my head, I'm always looking for what's wrong, and how to improve upon it.  For years, I've said, "What's wrong with that?"  I find problems.  There is a need for people who do that.  I find problems and I solve them.  It's a commodity.  But like every weakness, this is an overflow of a strength.... and it robs me of joy.  Nice to know. 

Then today I read this fabulous quote:  "Joy is a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control.” - TRUSTING GOD (Jaynes, Smith, Southerland), and I was reminded that everytime I find problems and stress out about them, and think about what I need to DO, DO, DO  --  that I'm not resting in the fact that God is in control.  He gave me the skills and aptitude to solve whatever life throws at me!  I have nothing to worry about.  And that when I really trust in God, that nothing will be a problem-- and all there is room for is joy. 

Just the thought is comforting.  Just the thought that I can have confidence in God to run it is joyful.  I don't know why I've been trying to run it.  Who do I think I am?  Compared to God?  Less than a speck on a flea.  And yet, he trusts me enough to give me skills to run things, and to handle it.  So why don't I rest in him? 

Horray for a Paradym Shift!  Joy is a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control!  :)

He's growing up so fast!

My son is now about 15 months old, and overnight it seems like he get's it.

Two days ago, my mom was talking to Gregory about his bath tub experience and she said the whole story to him, and then said, "Tell me Gregory!"  After an exaggerated deep breath, he said to her, "It's true." 

Tonight, I said to Gregory, "Would you like a smoothie?" 
"Mooie?"
"Yes, a smoothie.  You'll have to sit here in the high chair while I make it."
After two-three minutes he asked, "Is it all done yet?" (It sounded like that too.)

He's so helpful too.  Tonight he helped me put away his toys, his cheerios when he spilled them, and also helped me pick up all the hangers.  :) 

When it was time to put pajamas on, I said, "Gregory, it's time to put on your pajamas." and he came running.  When I was done, he gave me a hug and said, "all done." 
Then I say, "Gregory, it's time to brush your teeth."  And he runs to the bathroom, and knocks on the door.

I'm trying to remember to treasure every moment, because it goes so fast, and soon he'll be grown up.