Spots of Joy

“Put yourself in the way of beauty” - Cheryl Strayed 

A while ago my cousin posted a picture of toppled over cupcakes. Green and red icing smeared across the back of the chair. To some this might look like a catastrophe. To others a mess. Still to others salvageable spots of joy. 

When I first saw it, I couldn’t help, but laugh and wonder what happened. As I studied it a bit longer, I couldn’t help but think, isn't this how life can be at times? A little upside down, sometimes sideways, and all mushed up, yet there are spots of joy.

When I saw this image I immediately flashed back to when I put our oldest daughter into the bathtub to play with finger paints. I left the tub dry and thought she could just play and paint on the wall. I ran to change out the laundry and in just a few short minutes she was covered head to toe in finger paint. Sure, she had painted on the wall, but mostly on herself. I hope I always remember the look that must have been on my face and hers. Mine, a look of shock and amusement and hers a bubbly smile. She was having the time of her life! Like a child’s finger-painting—a little crazy, colorful, and all mixed up, life can bring feelings of mixed emotions, but when you look a little closer you can see…

Spots where you laughed. Spots where you cried. Spots where you celebrated. Spots where you danced. Spots where you sang. Spots where you loved. Spots where you felt loved. Spots that were brilliant. Spots that were bright. 

Some of life’s greatest joys can often be found in life’s unexpected turns, whether it’s cupcakes flipped upside down with the icing all mushed up or something traumatic God’s grace and mercy abounds.

Next time life looks like one big tray of flipped over cupcakes, take in a deep breath.  Look for the spots of joy, no matter how small. And, put yourself in the way of beauty, as often as you can.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the toppled over cupcakes in life. Without those moments we might not experience joy at the level we do at different points. Some moments are not always laughable, but the joy that comes when we seek your guidance and consolation is unlike any other. Lord, thank you for all the spots of joy in our lives. We look forward to celebrating many more with You and our family and friends. Have a beautiful day, God. Amen.

Y'all have a beautiful one!

All My Love,

Jen

For more information about Get Strong with Jen! click here.

Spots of Joy - Prayer for PTSD - Day 16 click here.