Choose Joy

After my post last week about our move to Montana (sorry local friends, our TRIP, not our move), a few people told me that I have an adventurous spirit.

I do?

Me, the one who tiptoes into the pool instead of jumping in?

The one who hyperventilates at the thought of breaking any kind of rule, or (Gasp!), law?

The introverted homebody?

Me?

Do I have an adventurous spirit, or am I simply choosing to find joy in our crazy lifestyle?

I think that’s really it, because when Jeff was playing and we were newly married minor-league travelers, I didn’t always choose joy. More often than not I chose the stress. The fear. The “what-ifs?”.

I don’t think you have to be a baseball family to understand that. Maybe your life isn’t up in the air with travel and a job that changes every year. Maybe your life is crazy with mom stress, school stress, family stress, house stress, money stress…

In this life there will always be stress. There will always be hard things. Tough decisions. Unexpected grief and loss.

But there will also be joy. And you can choose to live out that joy now. Not after ____ happens. Not after you have the house you want, the car you want, the kids you want, the career you want…NOW.

Choose joy today.

Because today is all we really have anyways.

Adventurous spirit? Nah. I’d say full of joy.

 

 

*Edit – Just because I search for joy in our lifestyle doesn’t mean I’m always happy. Sometimes I’m mad, sad, anxious, frustrated…but I am always seeking the light, that sliver of joy that makes it’s way through the darkness. Joy and happiness are not always the same thing. Just wanted to throw that out there in case this post came across as a little too bubbly sparkly rainbowish…

  • Sara June 8, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    Thank you.

  • Jenn Spohn June 8, 2014 at 8:38 pm

    So glad you are choosing to find joy and sharing your journey with us. Praying for your family as you embark on your next step in this journey of life. xoxox

    • InspiredRD June 10, 2014 at 10:26 am

      So sad Joe was sick this week. Miss you!

  • Alisa W June 8, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    Hey, I really liked this! As I prepare for another cross-culture move in a few months, I am really nervous about the hard things that will arise. But you are right. Joy is a choice.

    • InspiredRD June 10, 2014 at 10:26 am

      Thanks Alisa!