Joyful Parenting

My ongoing quest to put more joy into every aspect of my life continues. There are just so many things to focus on, and so many areas where I want joy infused into my daily activities, both inwardly and outwardly.

Along the way, I have found myself filled with questions. Is it truly possible to be filled with joy at all times? Now, I'm not talking about those bad days that we all know are an inherent part of life, but the average, ordinary days. The days where I'm just going along, doing my normal mothering, homemaking, wife-ing (I had to make up a word to fit, sorry) things - is it valid to believe that I can (or perhaps should) be joyful 100% of the time? And on the other hand, with Christ as my core, is it really possible to NOT be filled with joy?

Anyhow, enough with the questions. On to my newest revelation. When it comes to being a joyful mother, I've noticed that patience plays a very critical role. Young children require a great deal of patience as a rule. But I've noticed if I am lacking in patience, my joyfulness tends to fly right out the window. I can not be impatient, irritated or annoyed with my kids and still be filled with all kinds of mama-joy. It just doesn't work like that, at least not for me.

So I realize that maybe being more joyful is not the priority to work on, but instead, it will be the end result of work in other areas. My task then is to pay attention to my behaviors that rob me of joy. Who knew finding and living joy could be such an involved undertaking? It really is an interesting journey. And there is still so much to explore.

Graphic courtesy of Art.com.