Joy In Small Moments

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 Do you have any dreams? Does it seem like we dream big but then our dreams are hard to reach? I know for me, I often find myself thinking that I won't be joyful or content until these dreams are attained. Sure, there will be joy beyond compare when these dreams are fulfilled. However, I have to remember that many moments in the present bring joy and create special memories. These small moments may even play a role in shaping future dreams.
       According to Google dictionary(I know; a credible source ;) joy as a noun is "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." I have experienced this form of joy in many ways over the last eight months. Building relationships, zip lining, attending graduations, and seeing children welcomed into a safe home are a few among many. I never thought these words would come out of my mouth but, joy has come from doing homework. When girls in my home approach me with a good grade on their English homework after we've worked through language barriers, we share in a moment of great happiness. We also have joy from misunderstanding one another.
       Just the other night, I was helping a girl spell a word and she got stuck on which vowel to use. So, I gave her the vowel options, "A,E,I,O,U." She didn't pick up to only select one, and she started writing all the vowels. An abrupt noise came out of her mouth as she realized she wasn't suppose to write them all. We just looked at each other and started laughing. As we kept doing homework, we continued joking about proper spelling. She'd look at me and say,"P'Megan, is that how it's really spelled?" with a grin on her face.
      I didn't expect how much joy could come from simply helping with homework. Homework has provided opportunities to learn about the girls' families and hill tribes. It has given me a glimpse into their lives, their interests, and their dreams.
     Homework is also an area that could use prayer. There are a few girls who lack the motivation to do homework. As a result, they do not have the skills to read and write Thai. As it comes to mind, please pray that these girls will grow a desire to learn especially since their future depends heavily on their education.
     This past week, Thailand celebrated Mother's Day which coincides with the Queen's birthday. Our house mom decided to have a fun day by taking our girls swimming. It really is amazing how much pleasure can come from watching excitement in children. Their joy of going out for a day at the pool was very contagious. Even the process of getting ready was an adventure. It included packing a change of clothes, putting on sunscreen, blowing up a beach ball, and....waiting. The house only had one truck to transport people to the pool. The anticipation of swimming increased for those who were left behind. As one who was left waiting, I realized there were still happy moments during the wait. The waiting moments also quickly vanished from memory as the truck arrived at the desired destination.
     Life presents many moments where we have to wait for dreams and desires to be fulfilled. I encourage you to look for joy in small moments throughout the journey. Perhaps, these small moments will build relationships that will last a lifetime or will point you in the direction where God is leading you.
     On a final note, the dictionary also provided the definition of the verb form of "joy" which is "rejoice." Rejoicing can come easily in accomplishments, holidays, vacations, answered prayers, and worship. There are also times, like when we wait, that we have to be intentional about rejoicing. God has beautiful plans to fulfill our desires, and he rejoices when his children are joyful. Even if the journey takes us where we didn't expect, knowing God's love creates enough joy to last for eternity.


Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand
https://remembernhu.org/

To support Megan's work in the field go to:
Note Megan B. - Thailand in the notes section.


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