Before Sovereign Radiance, twelve years ago I decided to expand upon my writing and passion for photography and create a photographic journal through blogger. I loved engaging with my life in this way. It allowed me time to sit and reflect on what was going on around me. I would walk with my camera outside capturing the landscape, a favourite for me. Often the kids were with me discovering the outdoors in so many childlike ways. During my fifth pregnancy a dear friend joined us weekly and helped me with teaching and being present so I could grocery shop, rest and anything else that was needed during the day. She was in between jobs as a teacher so this was God’s perfect timing for both of us. She could put her new teaching skills into practice (just fresh out of teachers college) and I could accomplish more with her! One afternoon she joined us on a hike. Once Katie was born I rarely hiked with all five, so her presence allowed me the opportunity to get out again. This was a memorable one as she could hold the camera and capture our adventure. The kids saw a turtle in the creek, found amazing hiking sticks and no one was injured! At this time it seemed I would always have five kids swirling around me with unique needs often I felt incapable of meeting. Doubting my abilities, facing outside criticism, exhausted, trying to lose baby weight, adding extra activities to meet the needs of the older four and continuing to attend church, Bible studies, playdates, cook and clean. Times I felt like I was walking in a fog and believed lies that lingered deep into my mom heart that were close to pulling me away from the joy that God intends for a mom.

Dear Mom, I understand where you are right now more than you know. Perhaps you have one toddler barreling around the home climbing as if your home was a built-in obstacle course. You may have one braving the world of online learning at university with cyber professors and an empty nest that longs for the days of making mac and cheese for lunch and goldfish snacks as if you were the next great Canadian chef. Like many I know right now, you have many littles surrounding you with mountains of laundry, dishes, zoom kindergarten classes (that still boggles my mind as I taught Jk/SK and have no idea how I would replicate my routine online- teacher you are my hero!).

Here’s the thing, you can lose joy quickly. The joy needed does not come from your title or accomplishments. It comes from the joy Jesus provides through his never ending love and the reality that you are his child, a daughter of the Most High! With this truth we can soak in the joy. I was speaking with my amazing mom yesterday and she was remarking on verses from Psalm 118 that jumped of the pages of her Bible and she shared that they spoke to her in such a meaningful way. In verse 10, 11 the word surrounded stood out and the song by Michal W. Smith Surrounded   came to her mind, how perfect when you hear him sing of being surrounded, God is surrounding us! Further in Psalm 118:15-16 we read how the Lord has done mighty things,

  “Shouts of joy and victory
  resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
  The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
  the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”

It’s the reminders from his Word that will guide us when we are low on the joy meter. Worship music, scripture, a call/text of encouragement from a friend, good podcast and for me yesterday, my mom sharing what God spoke to her. A reminder for me to share what God is teaching  in my quiet times with others too. That is a joy-releasing, love-giving gift!

Today my joy meter went crazy as I had some special deliveries from dear friends: coffee and cinnamon buns and dinner complete with cookies! Unexpected and amazing! God knows what you need. Laura and Heather, thank you for adding such joy to my day! Shout out to my sister- in-law Halcyon for framing the picture of us hiking, including a beautiful poem about mothers! Your creative genius helped this site come alive xo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 responses to “Joy Meter”

1. Love the joy in your faces. Pictures make up for a thousand words. Keep up your picture taking! Being joyful in and during trials is totally God and literally drawn from Him. Friends and family are His Hands evident to you. Don’t like being at arm’s length with you, but thankfully we can talk and I’m GRATEFUL for those times … bless you as you continue to express yourself so inspiringly ?

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   • What a gift others have been to me during this time. Through others God is speaking life into me, his presence is real! I wish you could be here too. It’s so hard to be separated as I know you would be here!

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2. Your blog is so inspirational Sandee! I am amazed at your energy and your joy and I will do my best to both find the same joy within me and share it with others. Cheers

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   • Thanks Linda! Knowing this inspires joy is a gift you have given to me today. Joy is contagious, like your beautiful smile back at LP!! Great to hear from you!!

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