Many of you know that I’ve been working on a committee to help put on Blog Sugar (which is right around the corner in September -eek!). Through my work coordinating sponsorships, I’ve been introduced to a number of awesome bloggers and small business women. I love stumbling upon new (to me) blogs and the unique women who operate them!
While writing a blog post for Blog Sugar about some of our sponsors, I visited the Ahoy Graphics blog. Each month, Kristen creates a free desktop wallpaper and I was immediately moved by what she’d created for August. It’s currently my desktop at work and my screen saver on my iPhone and iPad!
Happiness happens. Simply put, I was punched in the gut by what those two words said to me. I’m certain that there are a plethora of ways this phrase can be interpreted for each individual reader, but to me, it said, “Hey JJ, stop trying to plan and force and manipulate your life. Instead, chill out, take time to relax, spend time with friends, catch up with family, and happiness will come.”
When I was at junior high camp (more than 20 years ago – HOLY CRAP!), we were asked to memorize Jeremiah 29:11. Right then and there, I’d declared it would be my “favorite verse in the Bible.” Sounds like something a 12/13 year old would say, huh?! Sadly, over the years, while keeping the words in the back of my mind, I’d forgotten the importance and meaning.
There’s a plan for my life and when I stop trying to force it into being or to look a certain way, I’ll enjoy some pretty great moments…and dare I say, even happiness!
This post is wise.
Kudos.
or I should say, the words in this post (and the writer) are wise.
Great quote and perspective. And Jer. 29:11 was totally my favorite verse in junior high!
After having a rotten evening last night I was worried that my week was off to a BAD start. But during my quiet time this morning I prayed for–among other things–to experience some happiness today. And surprisingly I’ve been laughing at and appreciating all kinds of unexpected things. So yes–I have to agree that happiness happens. Even on bad days.
Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie from Make Home Make Sense
Great post JJ…I’ve had so many examples of this the past few months that feel like it’s finally sinking in for me. It really has been, for me, a lesson in focusing on God and having patience with regard to not just His timing, but also his method and means. God watching out for me does NOT always equal “I got what I wanted”…and quite often it is something entirely different.
Oh, and I love the verse! Our church just finished an 18-week series on Jeremiah but I guess I didn’t catch enough of it to have that one sink in. Love it!