{Guest Post} I choose Joy!

By: Joanne Rivest

Five tiny fingers curled around my index finger with a soft, gentle clasp.

Time stood still.

In the quietness of my hospital room I looked upon the face of this precious life and gave thanks to the Lord for this tiny, treasured gift. I had visions of all the memories we would create, and in that moment it seemed that we had a lifetime to create them; for memories are the inheritance of the moments we share.

Those first few years of motherhood brought much joy and laughter, and truth be told there were many tears.

There were days when my little ones tried and tested me, and in those first few years especially, there were days when I am sure I tried and tested them.

Some days were hard, and when my dear husband arrived home from a long day of work I would dissolve in tears when he entered the door. It was in those times of brokenness, that I decided that I would choose joy.

I sought out books and resources that would encourage me through this journey of parenthood. I printed out scripture verses such as Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I WILL give you thanks; you are my God, and I WILL exalt you.

I taped these verses on the inside doors of my cupboard, along with this beautiful printable from one of my favorite bloggers.

I spent my online time reading the blogs of Godly women who were purposing to daily choose joy. I began to intentionally choose to speak joy into the life of my children. There were days when this was more difficult than others, when deadlines and attitudes squeezed my patience to the limit. Throughout all of these days the precious hands of time moved quickly.

On our family room wall, I have four clocks. It is not that I am very punctual and for those of you who know me, you know this to be true. But those clocks are for keeping time. When we have guests over, we are asked the significance of the clocks. With a twinkle in my eye, I smile and say, “That is the moment in time when our lives changed….when time stood still, for it was in each of these moments that our children entered the world.”

We choose to celebrate that moment, and in doing so we are choosing to celebrate them.

Lately, as our two oldest children have begun taking steps that move them towards their future, these same clocks have taken on further significance. Looking at these clocks, I am reminded that each moment of my children’s lives is so precious, and the gift of time that they are entrusted to my care is very short.

Precious women, cherish the moments that the Lord has given you with your children; pour love on your children, laugh with them, bathe them in the words of our Lord and shower them with grace. I encourage you to create a home of thanksgiving, for with thanksgiving comes joy.

Lord, may we be ever mindful of each and every day that you have blessed us with. I pray that we will choose joy in ALL things. May the hearts of our children be open for us to fill with the love of you our Father, let your love pour into each and every crevice of their being. Heavenly Father, give us wisdom in discerning the placement and use of our time. You have blessed each one of us with the gift of these precious moments to create memories with our loved ones, may our words be a sweet melody and our countenance gentle. Thank you precious Father, for the blessings you have bestowed upon us and for this we give you thanks, praise your glorious name, Amen.

Joanne Rivest is a wife to the love of her life and best friend, Jeff and together they have four children Kyle(18), Lauren(16), Conner(13) and Katherine(8). Joanne is actively involved in her church and community with a passion to serve Christ with her whole heart! Joanne home schools her children, loves to read and can always be found in a pair of heels with a tea in hand! 🙂