My son and his wife and daughter from Florida are here this week, and we’re filling our days with all the touches of love that we can – from siblings, aunties and uncles, great-grandparents, and more.
We’ve played Frisbee on the beach at Florence, popped in to see old friends from church, visited family in Portland, and sat in the Oregon sunshine to eat BBQ. Three homes have felt the gyrations from all kinds of raucous noise.
Where my Joy Comes From
When I asked God for children, I felt I understood the heartaches that would likely come with parenting. That’s why I chose to recognize him as the source of my joy. I am a “joyful mother of children” (Psalm 113:9 NIV), even when disappointing things happen, because of who he is and what he’s promised.
These Things are True
God made me a woman, and my desire for marriage and the capacity to have children was his idea. Therefore, I can find reasons to be thankful even in the middle of misunderstanding and schisms – when my world seems to be completely falling apart.
Here’s what Jesus said:
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:10-12 ESV).
He wants us to follow him, do stuff his way, and abide in his love. His purpose is to give us the fulfilling joy that comes from abiding in his love.
Note that he only asks us to do what he does. He wasn’t known for following the whims of folks around him, but rather, he kept his Father’s commands, staying close to his heart. He loved people, even to the point of severest agony, for those who misunderstood him (“for the joy set before him,” Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV).
Abiding in his love, I can do this, too.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
I am smiling…Our children are our joy, even when things are upside down…I can’t help but wonder how often God looks upon us and laughs. I am so glad to be one of his kids.
Thank you for your fun comments, Lynn. I can almost hear the happy sounds in your home.
Beautiful post, Kathy! I love that the joy of the Lord is our strength. And in His presence is fullness of joy. I hope that spills over into my marriage every day, even when things go south. My husband’s laughter is my favorite sound in the whole world. And my kids’ laughter, too!