Today I began thinking about something in an entirely different way. Something that I've probably not put much thought into before. Being an aunt has turned my world upside down. While playing at the park with my beloved niece, I began to think about her joy. We walked around in circles, played with a balloon, and slid down the slide, probably thirty times. As I heard her giggle and saw her smile I thought of her joy. I love that her joy is pure. . .
She has pure joy!
I found myself following along behind her praying for her joy to always stay pure.
Actually, I found myself begging God to not ever let the world taint her joy.
At one point she tripped in the mulch (nothing life threatening) and I had to stop myself from grabbing her up, throwing my arms around her & wanting to protect her from the harsh realities of the world we live in.
(I openly admit I'm over the top & especially for her!)
On my drive home, after dropping her off (and already missing her) I found myself praying that God would protect her from every pitfall of our society.
I know, I know, this is completely irrational and impossible, but I want this so bad for her!
I treasure that sweet princess and although I've learned a lot from my missteps I found myself trying to persuade God that I'd messed up enough for her and I, and this way she won't have to know the pain this world has to offer.
I never thought I'd love cheeto stains on a white t-shirt and mulch covering my feet, but today those two things were a sincere blessing as I spent the afternoon simply being Aunt Shannon.
Praise God for cheeto stains and mulch covered feet!
Sweet Blessings to you! & may you have PURE JOY!
