From fullness of dirt to joy

In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy. That is what David wrote in Psalm 16:11. To be perfectly honest, joy has not been part of my life for a long time. I feel overwhelmed by the very things that are given as blessings. The children who are my constant companions with constant needs. The beautiful home that is covered by the end of each day with a mixture of toys, shoes, dust, dirt and footprints. The clothing piled up and needing attention. The dog I should be walking. The yard I should be weeding. The car that needs fresh oil and rotated tires.

I think that in my presence there is fullness of dirt. and decay. and even despair. But Joy...where is it? In the presence of God.

My husband just kicked off a little project called 100 Days of Summer with our church body. Basically we all get to read our way through 100 essential portions of the bible, skipping things like genealogies, in 100 days. We're doing it together, and more importantly we're doing it daily. As the pastor's wife, I not only get to join in, I really have to. And I'm glad to. I have quiet time...sometimes. But this...this is daily. And intentional.

A few years ago, I read a lovely bio on Ruth Graham (Ruth: A Portrait by Patricia Cornwell). The one thing that I remember is that this busy mom of many had very little time for quiet time. So she left bibles open throughout her house. If she was passing by and had a moment, she would read. And go on refreshed.

In the presence of God is fullness of joy. But getting there, to the presence of God, that's the hard part. I'm putting in my 100 days. And I'm leaving open bibles and devotional books around the house. May He who is not silent, speak. May His presence fill this place. And may joy return.