joy

Holidays are a time of joy--joy expressed through thanksgiving and hospitality.

And yet sometimes over our holidays, mingled with our joy and gratitude, is the shadow of grief.

Our focus can turn from God's goodness to our suffering, or the afflictions of those dear to our hearts.

That is how I was looking ahead to the holiday season. On the one hand planning the guest list and menu, on the other bearing some heavy burdens.

I received a package from Dayspring with a home decor item to review on my blog. When i opened the package, it was a large pedestal with the words around the top rim "TO LIVE WITH JOY IS TO SEE GOD'S GOODNESS."

The mango wood is beautiful, the pedestal shapely, and the message timely. The pedestal was a bit larger than I had imagined it would be, and I didn't want to put it on top of the table or any other high surface, so I finally settled on putting it on the floor next to the couch and using it for another table surface. I found a clear plate to put inside the top, and put a coaster on it. So while it looked large on the table, it looks delicate on the floor. :)

However, the message on it is the biggest encouragement. It reminds me of the goodness of God in the middle of difficulties. And when I start thinking of his goodness, then I start realizing how immense and numerous his blessings are.

Then I am full of joy.