Eye of the beholder
Apr 15
Yesterday I was driving home late with the girls in the car with me. I was feeling niggles of worry and heartache for some people I love, so therefore I also found myself joy-hunting.
When I feel negative emotion of any kind, my general practice is to press in gratitude. It’s amazing how much better I feel after I’ve righted my perspective in this way. Gratitude heals.
My circumstances do not, should not impede my ability to feel joyful.
So, I was joy-hunting. We listened to sing-out-loud music. I prayed. I listed blessings of the day. I prayed some more. I passed my phone back to Maren because she wanted to text someone (I forget now who or what); after she sent her message, she must have taken this photo out the car window:
Isn’t it breath-taking? I love it. I love the scene, and I love that my girl is a beauty-seeker. I don’t know what was going through her mind as she saw the image and recorded it, but I know it was happy thoughts, and I’m so happy to have this record of it. She, at seven, is crafting a skill that will serve her well in life. Keep seeking beauty my love.
Next up on my phone was series of smiles from my Greta.
This girl has an impish grin that lightens every room and every mood. I love that she seeks joy from within herself. Another life skill: she is in charge of her own joy. I’m so proud of her for using her power for good.
I love that as I settled down last night, I found my joy because of the tone of my daughter’s simple, unintentional acts. It was their turn to teach me: simple pleasures, life lessons, perspective.
Beauty, joy, love.
We each have all we need if only we can see it.
Love you.
LOVE this! Your girls are truly lucky to have learned these wonderful life skills from watching their amazing mama.
Sending a big hug and warmest thoughts your way <3
So sweet and simple – a potent post – thanks for sharing
I needed this today. Thanks for the perspective, my stranger-friend. 🙂
Gratitude heals! Must must remember!
Just what I needed to read as I start my day! Many parents have to wait years to see the benefit of all the hard work and love they pour into raising children. You’re seeing that in your precious girls at only age 7 and 3! Jen, you definitely “Do Today Well”….and so is your entire family. YEAH ♥p
Love this Seeking Beauty in the everyday !! It’s those little things that touch the heart and emanate God’s glory.. a glorious gift !! Claiming this Day for you,the girls and your family. .
Thank you for sharing! I get so excited when I open my email and see you made a new post!! Love you guys! XoXoX
What I love is that you have taught your girls to
“do today well” and to celebrate life with gratitude. They are soaking up the things you say and the way you live this out. What a beautiful gift you are giving them!
Gratitude heals. I absolutely LOVE this and will share it and carry it with me! Thank you Jen for the amazing perspective!
That is a beautiful sunset, beautiful picture, beautiful daughter, beautiful memory. Hugs!