I’ve been working on looking at life through a slow motion lens. The kind that lets you hold onto the precious moments of time for just a smidgen longer. My very favorite movie is While You Were Sleeping. There is a scene that shows the family members opening up their Christmas gifts. Each person is so grateful and loving toward each other. Sandra Bullock is shown gazing at the family and savoring each second with them.
I can’t help but think that even though our lives move in real time, that we can, if we want, savor joy-filled moments just as if we had a slow motion button to push. And, in light of recent loss, I’ve decided to do this more often.
I know there is a way to breathe these moments deeply and dance through them in joy.
But how?
Here are three ways that that I think we can hit the “slow motion button” in our lives.
- We need to be aware.
Most of us justify enough cardiovascular exercise simply because we live life rushing to complete tasks. So much so, that we often neglect the moments that will impact us the most. We are just too busy to see the beauty. We have to make a choice to be aware of what is happening around us. This is so we can find joy in the moments worthy of holding onto for just a bit longer.
- We must purpose to find joy.
I hate to say it, but joy isn’t natural for all of us. It doesn’t automatically bubble up and cause us to look at situations optimistically. Joy is a gift that must be claimed. If you want it, you need to take it. Own it! That means, no matter where you are or what your circumstances may be, you must look for the joy inside of them. In other words, don’t stop looking until you find it! And once you do, grab tightly!
By nature, most of us take joyful moments for granted. We see them as ordinary rather than extraordinary. When was the last time you had a joy-filled moment you wished wouldn’t end? If you can’t remember, it’s possible you need to live working to create those moments.
- Find a reason to host a party
- Call a dear friend
- Be generous with your time and money
Whatever it takes, create moments that will bring you joy. And when you are surprised by a spontaneous joy-filled moment, be aware of it, own it!
Look for the lovely and savor it!
- We need to continually ask the Lord to refill our joy.
if you are anything like me, and have experienced an extremely difficult year, then you know only God can fill the grief-hollowed gaps in the soul. It takes very little for joy to dissipate. Sometimes, we need to battle for our joy.
It’s easy to forget that true joy comes from Jesus. He died to save us from death and hell, and ultimately from ourselves. And with the gift of the cross comes the fruit of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. (See Galatians 5:22-23)
The point I want to get across today is this: We have the ability to hone joy. To grab it, form it, and see it in everything. Joy isn’t hiding from us in the dark, because Jesus is light. True joy resides inside Him.
Seek joy today, friends, and don’t stop looking until you find it!!!
Love,
Jennifer
