Pure, Perfectly Imperfect Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy… such profound words.

We all face struggles in life, this is no secret. It is what we do in and through these struggles that sets us apart.

How we navigate motherhood matters. We must approach our lives, in raising up little hearts and souls, with the purpose of furthering Christ’s Kingdom and bringing God glory.

You are setting an example in your home. Are you setting an example of pure joy, or gloom and grouchiness? Personally, I would rather answer this question on a good day- a metronomically predictable, even tempered day. But each day in motherhood is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re going to get!

We must shift our perspectives, roll up our sleeves to serve, and put a smile on our faces in the process. Through the monsoon seasons and days of drought, we must cultivate cheerful hearts that shine Christ’s light.

Did you know that hydrangeas can actually grow roots from fresh new growth? I didn’t until my sweet husband, the green thumb of the family, told me this interesting fact. If you cut a green stem of new growth off of a hydrangea plant, and put a brick over the end of the stem, placed on top of soil, new roots will begin to grow. Eventually that single stem, that was only an inconsequential part of a hydrangea plant, will thrive and develop into a full blown, cotton candy budding plant of its own.

Pressure produces growth in our lives. When we turn the pressures of life into tools and perspectives of God’s glory, roots shoot. When the weight of the world presses down on us, we have two choices: surrender and get smothered, or thrive and channel our energy into new growth.

God wants to transform you and me. He wants to equip us through motherhood and enhance our character, so that we can stand ready for future seasons and harsh weather conditions that are sure to come.

The most resilient types of trees are the ones that have had to dig and tunnel deep roots to find water. These types of trees stand firm through storms and even hurricane seasons. In the same way, we must consider it pure joy as the Lord prepares our hearts and hands for future endeavors and storms that may come our way.

Motherhood is a mission field. It is a battlefield, and we are on the front lines. Be brave. Run at the enemy without fear. Put a smile on your face, and charge. Face each day, each moment, big and small, with the mindset of Christ, and a perspective that keeps Heaven in mind.

Through it all, (because of Jesus) we can consider our lives through the lens of pure, perfectly imperfect joy.

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for growing me closer to you and your heart through motherhood. On days that are tough, give me your joy, which transcends my circumstances. In Jesus’ heavenly name, name.

Steps of Faith:

• Reread today’s verse, James 1:2-4, and ask the Lord to grace your life with pure joy, and grow your faith through the perfectly imperfect process of raising up boys and girls to know and love Jesus.

• Look for a photo on your phone that includes your children that you could describe as "pure, perfectly imperfect joy." Favorite it, or make it your phone screen saver. Relish that photo for all the facets of your heart it represents. (Mine is below.)