January 26, 2007
A Time to Rejoice…
Today I am celebrating.
Today I am not worrying about the future, or lingering over the past. Today I am rejoicing in the gift of “right now” – all the hope and beauty of it, untainted by any fears or future struggles.
I know that there will be pain in my tomorrows. I know that there is chance I may never even get to meet this new little life sprouting inside me until I see Heaven. I know my world could fall apart tomorrow.
But I have today. And today is good. Today there is room for hope – tons of room. And I will delight in it. I will dance and swirl around. I will laugh and sing. And I will praise my gracious Lord and thank Him over and over and over.
This may seem an obvious response to good news. I have heard that some people live this way every day. But I don’t. I usually carry my fears around, holding them up so that somehow they can protect me from disappointment when suffering hits. It is ridiculous I know – but that is what I do.
But today I am not going to. In fact I think I won’t do it all week…maybe all month…maybe longer. Maybe this is where I will live – in the moment, squeezing the joy out of every second of good I have down here on earth. And on the days when the good is hard to find, I will savor the Good to come.
Yes, today I am celebrating.
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
…a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Filed under Christianity, Daily Life, Family, Parenting by Janice
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36 Comments on A Time to Rejoice… »
#1 - Kari @ 7:37 am
It’s funny how we can use our fears as protectors.
Rejoice in your happiness! You certainly deserve it!
#2 - Carey @ 8:05 am
What a great way to view your day. Now if only we can all do that all the time, i think we would all be a little happier. Praying for you and your new baby today.
#3 - Frog Princess @ 8:41 am
What an amazing time for me to become a new reader. It’s amazing I know so many girls right now who are pregnant and/or just found out. What a perfect week too. It’s sanctity of Life week where a lot Christian groups really rally together about abortion,genecide, infanticide and many other issues..mostly abortion. It’s a beatiful thing to have a child. It is the most amazing and fulfilling experience a mom can have. I know you won’t take this for granted, it seems as though you are a great mom and God will definitely use you in your children’s live. I am praising and praying with you
#4 - Katrina @ 8:50 am
What a great perspective, Janice. I am often so busy “protecting” my heart that I miss out on the joy. Thank you for sharing this.
#5 - Janet a.k.a Wonder Mom @ 9:04 am
You deserve this happiness…
Thank you for that today!
#6 - Lani from The Wooden Porch @ 10:55 am
What a sweet post! I am happy right along with you. Thank you for your kindness in the comment box at my blog yesterday. It means a lot to me to hear that.
#7 - Jill @ 10:59 am
You are not the only one who lives like that. I often say — I set my expecations low, so I’m not disappointed if things don’t work out. But this is truly reason to be joyful and if there was ever a time to “live in the moment” it is now!
#8 - Laura @ 11:06 am
I love this post. Yes positivity is essential…one day at a time!
What a day to rejoice!
Laura
#9 - Angela @ 11:14 am
Beautifully spoken! God asks us to rejoice ALWAYS…easier said than done, but necessary as we walk in obedience to Him.
Rejoicing and praying for you today.
#10 - Beth F. @ 11:28 am
What a wonderful, well written post! I think I’ll start thinking the same way!
In fact, somehow, you’ve motivated me to clean and laundry. You’re magical!
#11 - Suzanne @ 11:54 am
Carpe diem!! We should all be feeling this way
#12 - sema @ 12:16 pm
Inspirational. I tend to be more like you, holding my fears and worries close to me. It is such a relief when we choose to rejoice instead and not worry about tomorrow or think about the past.
#13 - Linda @ 12:44 pm
Beautiful!!!!
Linda
#14 - Chris @ 1:38 pm
I REJOICE with you! So encouraging!
#15 - Theresa ♥ @ 1:46 pm
Wow, did I need this! Thank you.
#16 - e-Mom @ 2:30 pm
Woohoo! I’m dancing with you!!! Awesome, just awesome.
#17 - Barb @ 3:27 pm
I’m just now getting over here for the first time in a few days Janice, and look at the wonderful news you’re sharing with us! I’m beyond excited for you.
My thought is this. I think you may be getting this slightly subdued reaction from your family because you lost a baby and they’re being cautious. I seriously doubt they know this hurts you.
If it helps, I’m shouting in my heart for you. I have a very good feeling about this. Oh my word, what wonderful news!
#18 - Sarah S. @ 3:50 pm
I LOVE this — you can say, “junk may come — no, junk WILL come, but today is a happy day!” Bless you over and over! Years ago a preacher at my church would start each sermon (I wish I knew who he was quoting) by saying: “Neither the regrets of yesterday nor the fears of tomorrow can be allowed to mar the beauty of today. Today we celebrate!” Celebrating with you!
#19 - Karla~Looking Towards Heaven @ 3:56 pm
I love what FrogPrincess wrote about the significance of this week! Amazing!
I love your perspective on this. I too struggle with holding my fears over me as some sort of protection…
Blessings,
Karla
#20 - Kilikina @ 4:20 pm
Congrats once again!
#21 - jen @ 4:29 pm
Good on you. God tells us to concentrate on today and not worry about tomorrow.
I dont think youd be the only one who does worry I think its a natural reaction - I do
Enjoy today
#22 - Kim @ 4:50 pm
Right now is the time to laugh and the time to dance!
God Bless!
#23 - Heidi @ 5:32 pm
Amazing post, I’m with you on this. Thanks for the reminder!!!!!
#24 - Michelle in MX @ 6:06 pm
Lets dance
#25 - Local Girl @ 6:29 pm
We cannot control the bad things that may or may not come. It’s great that you’re enjoying the happiness and miracle of the moment!
#26 - Karen @ 8:26 pm
I’ll rejoice with you! I just found your site this week and am so happy about your pregnancy! I’m looking forward to all the future rejoicing about this little one.
#27 - Mary (Mert) @ 8:48 pm
What a blessing to have so much joy! Sing it from the roof tops, sistah! :O)
#28 - owlhaven @ 12:41 am
Good for you!!!
Hugs
Mary
#29 - Stephanie @ 8:36 am
It is a good felling to rejoice in the moment. Praying that you can have that feeling everyday!
#30 - Terri @ 9:32 am
I’m so happy for you! After battling secondary infertility for so many years, every time someone struggles and then gets pregnant I feel such joy for them. It’s overwhelming for me–I can’t imagine how it is for you!
Enjoy your day!
#31 - Mama Lily @ 12:12 pm
Good for you!! Rejoice in the Lord from whom all blessings flow. I understand the desire to hide our joy hoping it will last longer! Joy is in rejoicing! Hope you can stay in the lovely place for a good long time.
#32 - Paulette1958 @ 4:29 pm
I am so happy for you and this new life. I am praying for all your tomorrows where you can watch God’s miracles come to fruition and will have a beautiful healthy baby. I am also praying that God restores you to Health and you can relax and enjoy this special time.
Blessings to a dear lady!
#33 - Rena @ 5:16 pm
May you continue to rejoice and celebrate each moment of each day, one day at a time. Peace and grace to you and the little on. I’m so happy for you.
#34 - Judi @ 11:13 pm
I just love you Janice! I am just like you in the way I carry my fears around. But when I found out I was pregnant with my precious boy after trying for over a year I rejoiced with everything in me too! Congratulations.
#35 - Anna @ 1:49 pm
What a wonderful insight. Something that I too should put into practice. Thank you.
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