Yesterday, I watched my two year old learn the art of finding. Her objects of discovery were colorful plastic eggs scattered in an open field. First, she wanted only an empty basket—her own, her way. But once she realized the eggs held treats she could not be stopped. In fact, she wanted to open them all right away. My five year old, on the other hand, ran with wild abandon from prize to prize till her basket overflowed. She had learned first you find, then count. For my oldest girls, their reward was a bit harder to discover. Treats hidden among trees and under rocks were not always so obvious. They had to hunt with the determination that their work would be blessed. Of course it was, and we all celebrated the day of finding together on a blanket under the sun.
I think the Joy Dare is like that for me. Some days, I don’t really feel like collecting gifts even when they are scattered plainly in sight. Other days, I run with childlike jubilee, my heart overflows and it can’t be contained. Sometimes, I have to look with sheer determination and choose to believe the One who knows my soul best, has treasures hidden in the darkness for me to find.
Will you sit with in the warm spring sunshine and celebrate with me, a week of finding such treasures?
The Joy Dare — looking for 1,000 gifts in 2012. My journey so far…
264. The heart lifting words, “Mommy, I feel better!”
265. Sisters who buy loving gifts for each other.
266. Iccee runs.
267. How a playdate means I am an awesome mom.
268. Watching my girl rock during Bible Drill.
269. Our first swim of the season.
270. Getting to see a sweet friend.
271. Twistee Treat after school. Yummo.
272. Friends who send me funny videos just because they know I need to laugh.
273. Easter egg hunts.
274. The joy of finding.
275. 3 more blooms, abounding in hope.
276. The awesome chance to collaborate with amazing women who teach me so much.
277. Girls outside all day in the summer sun.
278. How worship lifts the weariness.
279. A new book with a timely message for me.
280. My gracious God, who is merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Jonah 4:2)
281. The wonderful cross.
283. A week to ponder the love Jesus has for me.
284. A chance to serve.
285. A sweet evening walk and seeing two precious babies.
I always enjoy reading the “gifts” you find each Monday. They remind me to stop and take a breath and notice what is good around me. Thank you for these! 🙂
So glad you are blessed by this. I know it keeps me looking every week, even when life is hard! Thanks for stopping in today, and saying hello!
Stacey, great analogy on finding gifts. Some days they are easier to find than others. Loving these warm days too, the way they call to us to play outside. What a lovely snapshot I saw of your family in your list today.
I love reading these lists of gifts on Monday! And I so agree with that analogy on finding gifts. Some are so much easier to spot than others, but they are all so beautiful.