refreshing words {rejoicing always}.

the daily reading from "jesus calling" a few days back really spoke to me.  this fall is quite busy for us.  and as a mom, i'm always trying to savor the moments.  i don't want to get carried away with the hustle and bustle of life that i miss the now.  too busy to notice bella twirling about the living room in her tutu.  how emmy searches for her thumb when she's sad.  the chill in the air, promising change... the simplicity of a quiet house and the smell of bread baking.  how my heart feels full when i climb into bed at night and rest next to my husband.

these are all moments i want to savor.  lord, may i not be too busy to treasure each one.

"rejoice in me always!  no matter what is going on, you can rejoice in your relationship with me.  this is the secret of being content in all circumstances.  so many people dream of the day when they will finally be happy; when they are out of debt, when their children are out of trouble, when they have more leisure time, and so on.  while they daydream, their moments are trickling into the ground like precious balm spilling wastefully from overturned bottles.

fantasizing about future happiness will never bring fulfillment, because fantasy is unreality.  even though i am invisible, i am far more real than the world you see around you.  my reality is eternal and unchanging.  bring your moments to me, and i will fill them with vibrant joy.  now is the time to rejoice in my presence!"

(phillippians 4:4, 12; psalm 102:27)

help me, father, to rejoice in you for you are my constant in an ever-changing world.

*i talk about this devotional often... if you haven't picked up a copy, do so!  the refreshing take it gives on our relationship with jesus is life changing.