JOY

noun

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated

3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

4. a state of happiness or felicity.

 

This is how I felt as I finally arrived at a friends home on Saturday night. I had gotten lost for two hours, been served icky tasting tea, driven through a town I didn't know even existed, and was absolutely starving. But as I walked through the door to the sarcastic applause of friends, I felt joy.

Now all of that really did happen, but the thing was I was not alone on my little adventure, I was accompanied by three absolutely wonderful sisters and was protected by my sweet Savior every step (or mile) of the way. While driving along, looking at the beautiful sky, listening to Jenny & Tyler and Needtobreathe, the voices and conversations of my sisters took my breathe away. These girls were all in different situations, struggling in different areas, and each took a turn to speak and then to listen. And as each girl shared their story, encouragement poured down like a gentle rain. Understanding outlined each word spoken. I found myself sitting their praising Jesus for these sisters, for this opportunity to hear their hearts, to share in their struggles, and walk with them on this Journey.

As we drove on, farther and farther away from where we actually meant to go, we grew closer and closer together, as we pointed more and more to the Father. And as we finally arrived, safe and sound, I could not have been more thankful for getting lost. Because in getting lost, I discovered more about my sisters, and I came to adore their unique, beautiful hearts all the more.

These are the times, the moments, that make me stop and take a breathe. These are the moments that make me smile in the dark even though no one can see, because my heart overflows.

Thank you Jesus for getting lost, but discovering so much along the way.