He brought J O Y

It seems as though I have been in a funk since the New Year....maybe, if I were really being honest, it was even before Thanksgiving.

So that would be four months of a FUNK.

Yuck.

I am not saying that the funk is over.

But today I woke up to some unexplained JOY.

(Thank you Jesus!)

Circumstances in my life and in the lives of people I love certainly play a part in my demeanor.  I am not one of those people who can play off a smile when I feel more like throwing a tantrum.

This week has been hard.  Caroline and Shep have been seriously under the weather.  It has rained every day (which seems to be the forecast for this entire winter), and some serious issues have had us face down in prayer.

This morning I woke up to an amazing husband and three cutie pies ready to offer their homemade Valentines (is their a better kind?!?). 

After ooohing and ahhhhhing and doling out hugs and kisses I soaked in some of the sweetness of that. 

Just my family showing me love.

Then I opened up my devotional and God had planned to do the same.

Show me some love.

He encouraged me through His Word to rejoice in Him always.

I can't explain it. 

This isn't some new or novel thought.  Rejoicing in God is always encouraged in the life of a believer. 

But a funk doesn't do a thing for a rejoicing heart.

It was like somehow the Light got into crevices that had been shut down. 

I am certain that the problem has been me.

I can be a pro at shutting down.

Sometimes we don't want to let that Light in.  Joy seems so far off and to try and miss seems worse.

So....we settle for a funk.

This morning, on Valentine's Day, my Lord gave me some joy.  It was like He brought it to me like breakfast in bed.

I will boast in that.

One of our prayer requests of the week was answered in a way that broke my heart....but the joy remains.

Another prayer request is being answered in a way that indicates much hope....and my joy doubles.

Psalm 86:4  "Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."

He did this for me. 

He brought joy to me this morning.

A box of chocolates or a dozen roses couldn't touch this Valentine's gift from God!