A Mother’s Version of Philippians 4:12-13

The expanded version of Parenting from the Overflow is almost finished.  I am so excited to share with you one of my favorite parts of the book.  From the chapter titled “Overflowing Joy,” I offer you a mother’s version of Philippians 4:12-13.

I know what it is to have children crying and whining, husband watching television loud enough to drown out the aforementioned crying and whining. And I know what it is to enjoy quietly preparing a meal for just my beloved man and me. And this is what I’ve realized. Joy is a choice—not based on situation or circumstance, having nothing to do with sick children, clothes that smell like spit up, and tweens/teens who are speaking a language I do not understand. This joy isn’t dependent on my husband’s mood when he comes home or my children’s desire (or lack thereof) to set the table or share their toys. This joy doesn’t require a gourmet meal or the perfect dessert. Nope, THIS JOY is available simply by looking around—at messy faces and dirty hands, at shoes of all sizes spread all over the floor, at a husband who gives a knowing smile above the fray, at a table where we gather hands and hearts—THIS JOY is mine for the embracing.

{download a copy of  A Mother’s Version of Philippians 4:12-13}

Whatever today holds from diaper explosions to teenage drama, I pray you embrace the joy available.  May we live as Paul who said, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

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