One of my sons has been working to correct a “tongue thrust” problem. As part of his therapy, he has a picture of a dog named Baxter—a hilarious photo with Baxter’s bright pink tongue sticking out between his teeth.
At the bottom of the photo is the caption, “Where’s your tongue?”
It’s our job to hide this photo of Baxter in places where my son will inevitably find it. He sees the picture and thinks about his tongue. Is it pushing on his teeth or is it resting where it should be?
Everyone loves Baxter.
Well, this morning during prayer I asked myself, “Maggie, where’s your joy?” I don’t think that this question came from me, honestly. I think that the Holy Spirit prompted it.
You see, I have lately been a whole lot grinchy. I don’t know if it’s the weather or stress or the fact that I’m always so incredibly, overwhelmingly needed in this house full of little people. Whatever the cause, I know my reaction: grim resolve, impatience, anger.
Aren’t those words just unpleasant to read? Yet, I have been grim. I realized this morning that some of my children have been working very hard to cheer me up and really, they shouldn’t have to. I’m the one that needs to work on this. Joy is a gift—one of the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit, actually, and one of my favorites—and I need to be asking for it from Him with regularity.
That would be part of my therapy. : )
Today when my son brings me that photo of Baxter—Big grin! I’ve found it! Will you go hide it again?—I am going to use that loveable mutt as a reminder to myself.
“Where’s your joy?”
And then I’ll smile at my children—Big grin! I love you! You are God’s gift to me!— and like that we will go on with our day.
All for the Greater Glory of God,
It’s the winter. It’s much easier to be joyful in the spring. 🙂