I've taken a break from the blogging because of it. I am no great speaker or writer or conduit from God. I don't have daily epiphanies that bring me closer to Him. I will freely admit that some days I read the Bible on autopilot. I have no great wisdom, I can't share what "works for me" because I haven't found what works for me yet.
I'm a plain ol' mom, who is just struggling to survive the days. Some days that takes less effort than others.
Some days I can bring myself to spend the entire day in crafty/outsidey/happy/smiley/adventures mode and others I just pray the iPad battery lasts until naptime.
Some days I have great patience and others I send the wild beast outside where she belongs.
Some days I accomplish everything on the to-do list and other days are considered a success if I even make a list.
Some days we have green smoothies for lunch and others I roll through a Wendy's.
Some days I rock and others I just plain suck.
Some days there just is no Joy in the day.
So there it is. The truth.
I see the pins on Pinterest. The pretty little signs to hang on our walls. To remind us.
And some days I can't. There's no joy to be found. Just survival. Then guilt from not finding joy.
Why should I be joyless? I'm blessed beyond measure: our little house and our little family. But these reminders of what I should feel make me feel guilty, once again less than, because I don't feel joy.
Behind these signs and the blogs I follow I see women, mamas, who seem to have it together. That plaster a perfectly veneered smile on their faces and sing-song-ily say "Choose Joy."
I fake it 'till I make it..... but what if I never make it?
Then this.
And I felt joy. This spoke to me more than the pretty pastel, chevron, chalkboard signs guilting me into joy. This statement makes me want to move mountains.
Not because it takes the power from God. Not that it puts the power in my hands.... but it allows me to be me; a little ball of fury taking down whatever is in my way. With Him by my side. Coaching me through the day. Not just making a choice but actually DOING something.
Child trying to corner me into a corn syrup filled breakfast? Bob and Weave.
Blowing though both Language Arts and Math lessons in less than 45 minutes WITH comprehension? One-Two-Punch
Facebook friend backdoor bragging about their child's ahead-a-grade-level-reading in their beautiful home remodel on the heels of their warm-weather vacation? Blocking
Attacking the laundry pile? Jab
Toys sorted? Uppercut
Cooking a meal that everyone will eat without any complaints at the dinner table? Footwork
Ending the day with the house a little cleaner, child a little smarter, husband a little more comforted? Punchout
At the end of the day I may be tired out. I may be bruised and battered and swollen. But I hit back. Yes, I do choose joy. Forget "'till I make it".... I'll be faking it 'till I die. But I am gonna punch today in the face. Everyday.... and that makes me a little happy. Even joyful.
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