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JOYFUL MESS

1/18/2013

 
JOYFUL MESS?  Isn’t that somewhat of an oxymoron?  Messes aren’t joyful and joy doesn’t usually bring on messes. Today we will consider how to experience joy in the middle of a mess.

Sitting through many basketball games in my tenure as a coach’s wife, I have witnessed some messy situations.  There are the star shooters that are having a cold streak which in turn makes scoring extremely unlikely.  There are the referees who seem to turn a blind eye to the fouls of the other team.  There is sickness that overcomes a team causing weak play or for some players, no play.  These difficult messes, however, often make way for other less-used players to begin scoring, opportunities to learn self control when the call is against our team, or bring heightened awareness of remaining strong with adequate sleep and healthy food. In the long run, the joy of added strength and character can come from messy circumstances.


#1 - DECIDE

As we walk through the messes of life, begin by making an on-purpose decision. After battling many forms of messy depression, Pastor Rick Warren’s wife shares this bit of advice:

“I just decided to live in joy.”  Kay Warren

Deciding to live in joy is the opportunity we all have.  We can live in the mess with all of it’s limiting outcomes and bitter responses.  Or, as Kay Warren did, we can choose to look for the joy that awaits us beneath the surface of all circumstances.  In the face of much danger David, the Psalmist, boldly chooses joy by declaring…

“… my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” Psalm 35:9 KJV

#2 - PRAY

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it." Mark Twain

The best way to manage our mess is through prayer which Mr. Twain does not specifically mention.  Recorded in the Psalms, David – a man after God’s own heart -  not only chose joy but he also cried out to the Lord in prayer in times of troublesome messes.

“Do not hide from me, your servant. I am in trouble. Hurry to help me!”  Psalm 69:17 NCV

MAKE IT A MATTER OF PRAYER AND IT WILL NO LONGER BE A MATTER OF CARE

Then, like David,  we can echo these words of petition and prayer:

“Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord…You snatched me from the brink of disaster!”  Psalm 86:12-13 The Message

We too can experience JOYFUL MESSES just as David did by DECIDING FOR JOY and PRAYING for help.

Blessings…as your messes become joyful!


©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224  

Mom
1/18/2013 12:44:15 am

"Handle with care the life God has given you". Your article is a top-notch way of "guarding it (life) well. Striking a major, but small irritation of my life!!! Thank you!


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    About the Author... 
    JANET BROWN

    As a veteran coach's wife, Janet invites you to join her in "Changing the world for Christ...one athlete at a time".Through the language of sports and life experiences, Janet uniquely exposes the character of God and His desire for "sportmoms" to WIN BIG in life. Her behind-the-bench view invites us into a world of triumphant wins and tragic personal loss.


    LIFE EXPERIENCE

    From being a mother of 2 to a spiritual mom to many, the road of life for Janet includes these hallmarks:

    - Gave her "heart to Jesus"     at 6 years old
    .
    - Studied Education/          Psychology at a Christian  College

    - Enjoyed earning her wings  and flying as a Flight    Attendant

    - Is the wife of Coach Dave Brown since 1967.

    - Involved in ministry to women for 30+ years including: Retreat Facilitator and speaker, Bible Study leader, National Women's Ministry Leader

    - Held an executive position in the corporate world for 35 years.

    - Developed and taught Pre-married and Marriage classes with her husband for 12 years. 

    Currently is a writer, grandmother to 4 and a coach's wife.


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