The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.—PSALM 5:11 (NIV)
“Please don’t tell us how much we saved with our coupons,” I say to the cashier at the grocery store. “My husband and I like to play a game to see who can guess the amount we save on our grocery bill. It makes grocery shopping fun!” She smiles at me and Jean-Claude, as do all the cashiers when we tell them this.
With my schizophrenia and Jean-Claude taking on the challenging role of being my caregiver, it’s often hard for both of us to get through the tough days. Days that feel like a heavy burden for both of us. So we focus on finding even small ways to sprinkle us with joy, especially in doing the often tiresome and mundane tasks that need doing to keep our everyday lives running smoothly.
Our little game at the grocery store is just one of the many ways we bring playfulness and laughter to our days and weeks and months.
Dear God, please help me find ways to replace the worries of my heart and mind with joy. Thank you for the light you bring to my life.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)