Live a Happy Life: Look for Your Joy Today

Six days ago, it was when my friend taught me how to crochet a star ornament.

Previously, I had crocheted a hat for my then-baby that instead fit my head. Then, I tried to crochet myself slippers, except the opening nicely allowed only three of my toes in. But the fun little star ornament, it turned out great.

Five days ago, it was when I saw a text from a friend telling me how funny I am. That sweet text lifted me up and made me smile. It felt good. Plus, my husband and I are always having a who-is-the-funnier-parent contest with the kids – that text, well hubby didn’t get one…so, the text sealed my daily win.

family at dinner table — Connect with your big kids over these 400+ conversations.

Four days ago, it happened when I pulled into my driveway. From my car, I saw my son watching out the front window for me.

I had just been thinking: This day has conquered me. I need a hot cup of tea, no more people asking me to do stuff for them, and for sleep to find me right now. But then there was my beloved son waiting for me to come home. I walked through the door right into his embrace.

Three days ago, it was when I found out a student I spent much time tutoring did well on his test. And then my dear writer friend emailed that she officially has an agent to represent her book.

Two days ago, it was watching my two older sons’ basketball games. Solid dribbling, passing, and shots GOING IN… The team’s improvement and the smiles on the boys’ faces – priceless.

Yesterday, it was when my husband got up early and cooked us a warm breakfast.

Happiness. Joy. Moments that make me think: I am so glad I am right here, right now to experience THIS.

Every day we have them. Maybe only a few or perhaps too many to count, but every day there is SOMETHING to make us smile.

So right now, as I sit here in the early hours of my morning me-time, I am wondering What joy will this day bring?

Today, I’m going to look for my happy moment that’s waiting just for me to enjoy. I’m going to choose to live a happy life, at least just for today – I’ll worry about tomorrow, then.

And when the moment of joy comes I am going to slow my racing mind, ignore my daily to-do list and just LEAN IN AND BE THERE.

Wanna join me?

“Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Read the Full Growing Your Faith Through Everyday Momlife Series

Elijah’s my favorite. Elijah’s the Old Testament Prophet who went head-to-head with the Baal prophets to show who the One True God was. (Read more about that here.)

This man who experience God’s supernatural power, later found himself in complete despair, with shaken faith, depressed and anxious, trying to hear God’s voice. (Have you been there too?) 1 Kings 19:11-13 says:

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

When Elijah looked for God, he found Him. And God’s voice wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or fire – it was in a gentle whisper.

Momma’s, God still speaks to us today. It’s deep inside of you, an inner knowing. I’d love for you to join me as I learn to discern that voice smack in the middle of my ordinary days.

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Cheryl Donely

Cheryl is a mom of 3 boys, wife, speaker, high school teacher, and author of Empowered Moms & Kids. She has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is passionate about learning and teaching. On www.empoweredmomsandkids.com you’ll find inspiration and encouragement for moms raising tweens and/or teens. Read more in the “about” section of this page.