This family photo makes me laugh every time. Plans for that picture-perfect moment never quite turn out like we imagine. The matching outfits, combed hair, scrubbed faces, and pleas for everyone to “look at the camera!” And the rest is history – captured forever in digital form.
The first time I saw this photo, I thought about how we constantly long for moments of joy, but it is often hard to feel joy. Know what I mean? Joy is a choice. Some days it’s not the easy one, and we may grit our teeth through those “joyful moments”, but it’s always the right choice. This year has taught me that joy can be wrapped in many unexpected packages. It isn’t always a happy jump or cartwheels in the backyard. Sometimes the biggest leap of joy is the time we stood still through the tough junk life throws at us.
The deepest joy, however, seems to come as we rest. Most of us struggle with finding the time or place to rest. We keep ourselves swirling in our own imposed deadlines and tasks. But rest can be a weapon God gives us to battle the hurdles and stress that comes our way. Rest frees our mind to listen and remain in a place of expectancy. When we’re busy, we miss the joy that is waiting through rest.
In the place of stillness and joy, I have found that my roots grow deeper. I can see the hurdles as teachable moments and places of growth. Deep breaths come easier, and my vision is clearer. Everything looks different when I am looking through the eyes of rest. Even the scary transitions are less daunting when I am in that quiet place of clarity.
Happiness is external and dependent on circumstances. Joy is internal and selfless. Happiness is pleasure. Joy is selfless. When you think of others rather than yourself, the sacrifice becomes a joy. We can find ourselves with an unshakeable peace when we practice breathing in the presence of God. That is pure joy.
So, if you are feeling a bit discombobulated and joy is nowhere to be found, rest is the answer. Take the time to find the quiet place and prioritize that time for yourself and those you love. Turn off the phone, put the to-do list in a drawer, take a deep breath (maybe two or three) and allow yourself to feel the presence of the only One who can give us genuine joy. The joy is not lost forever. It is waiting in the rest.
Choose joy. Choose rest.