recognizing joy

 Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (6:09 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Hello. Hi.

(6:27 a.m.)

Thank You for this current opportunity of recognizing joy. Thinking about the plans for today and the events of yesterday I am well aware of the delight I’m experiencing deep within.

Simple things. No over-planning. Lots of acceptance. Father, I’m asking (Matthew 7:7a) for more moments of seeing the joy that is so often lying just beneath the surface of our circumstances.

I used the word “delight” several times yesterday. There was such freedom in taking each task as it presented itself. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the privilege of helping another. And for the pasta salad presented to us for our efforts. Genuine joy, Lord. All the way around.

I confess to complicating things Dear Lord. Overthinking. Over-planning. Attempts at making things just so.

Thank You for another reminder of how simple and JOYous things can be when I get out of Your way. And follow Your lead.

I want to do this again today Dear Lord. Taking the words and sentiment of Psalm 37:1-8 to heart, enable me in heeding David’s words.

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

“Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.

“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - It only leads to harm.”

How I thank You for the privilege of truly recognizing joy when I experience it. Keep me alert and thankful (Colossians 4:2) for every single smile that sparks in my heart, soul, mind and on my face. They are truly my emotional barometers of recognizing the joy that comes directly from You.

♪… There’s times when my hands go up freely

And times that it costs

There’s days when a praise comes out easy

Days when it takes all the strength I got

I’ll bring my Hard-fought, heartfelt

Been-through-hell Hallelujah

And I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail

Story-to-tell Hallelujah

‘Cause God, You’ve been patient

God, You’ve been gracious

Faithful, whatever I’m feeling or facing...♪

Thank You for Your love Blessed Father. Thank You for Your grace. Your mercy. Your acceptance. Your patience. Use me exactly as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You Blessed Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(482 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)