I’ve been stuck.
This week I’ve found myself feeling discontent. Or perhaps overwhelmed. Instead of consistently taking every thought captive (Romans 12:2) I had allowed this to percolate into my everyday. It really got me nowhere.
I was losing the beauty.
Trouble is — I am stubborn. I didn’t want to easily let go.
But God knows me. He knows my heart. He knows how to remind me to let go of pride and discontent and anxiety and overwhelm.
He reminded me of beauty and joy in everyday life when I was downloading a new ringtone for my phone. Yes, then — on that Thursday afternoon window of time between ballet runs when I sat on our rocking chair and searched for the perfect one. In the midst of the not-so-perfectly clean house, and a little one running around barefoot, and no dinner plans, and me, and my silly mood. Right then.
It was this song — Married Life — from the animated movie UP. And for those of you who’ve seen the movie, you’ll know why that music, that four minute scene is beautiful. Ellie {the main characters wife} lived the most joyful and vibrant life — even though nothing seemed to work out like planned.
So as the music streamed in my living room I felt my heart soften. Tears, held back by pride, began to well up and roll down my weary face. I need to be like Ellie. I needed to be reminded that life is a gift to be lived. Full of joy.
I am so grateful.
And with that long intro, I give you my favorite things.
{it is worth taking 4 minutes to watch}
being reminded of the absolute beauty in giving the gift of life
these everyday moments in my life
{pictured below — my mini ellie montage without the music}
my life
these guys
all of them
{just ignore the Merry Christmas part…}
embracing my joyful life
being reminded to look at the beauty
and
who knew exactly what I needed to hear.
I’ve included the linky for those who’d like to link up with their favorites from the week. It can be a list {like I normally do}, or a picture, or a wordy post {like today}. The intent? To find joy. And in finding joy our daily lives can be celebrated. It brings the focus back off of us and more on our Savior. He blesses us with those hours, those days, those gifts of joy.
13 comments
I have many of these moments too, when it all seems so unfair and I just want to whine about it. Then God peeks in, usually in the form of song for me also, or maybe a comment from my kids, and everything is zoomed back into perspective again. And your right, it’s so refreshing and renewing and well….freeing. Your blog has also served as a reminder for me to look outside myself and find all the joys that are out there. Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart. I’m sure you serve as an inspiration to many, not just me 🙂
Have a blessed day!
Its so easy to feel all sorts of discontent since we live in such a consumeristic society. I’m thinking us stay at home moms struggle with this the most… Sometimes just being in the house too much gives me too much time to let my mind wander into no good land.
I adore your pictures. The Christmas card is sooooo good. I loved it when I first saw it and still do!
(I’m trying to link-up but our Internet is stinky and I’d link up from my phone but it doesn’t seem to be working… I’ll keep trying!)
I am SOBBING….I havent seen that video in SO long…such a sweet 4 minutes of video. Thanks for sharing it–your post is inspiring as usual.
I didn’t care for that movie too much EXCEPT that one little part, but yes. It is a tear-jerker.
Rachel, your heart just blesses me so much. I love to see your pictures, your life, your lovely children. You are living life deliberately and I love that!
I feel privileged to know you through your blog, and look forward to catching up on a a day when time is no longer and over tea or lemonade we can marvel at all the ways we’ve seen the Lord’s mercies in our lives.
Love to you,
-Analene
Up is my favorite movie of all time. And if there is one movie character that I want to be like more than any other, it’s Ellie. When I saw the tittle of your post I thought to myself “I bet this is going to be referencing Ellie from Up.” I often find myself getting overwhelmed and weighed down by life and I have to remind myself of the joy that having Christ in my life brings. Thank you for this post and reminder to find joy.
I love your honesty and humility, Rachel. This is an area the Lord has been teaching me….to find JOY in all things even especially when things re challenging.
Blessings,
Julia (in New Zealand)
I’ve been overwhelmed lately, too – feeling like I just can’t catch my breath, and I’m barely treading water.
I’ve been making a more conscious effort to look for joy, and daily writing down God’s gifts to me. At the end of every day, I can look back over my list (or in a moment when I’m having a hard time) and it reminds me of how much God loves me, and all of the ways He shows it, big and small.
I am fighting discontent and anxiety right now. In through my nose…out through my mouth…relying on Him. Needing to badly to just look Up and focus on Him. Speaking of looking…I love the way you look at your children in your pictures…with just love and joy…that’s priceless 🙂
So I’ve never seen the movie, but that clip really got to me. Wow. Such a reminder. Every moment, even the ones we struggle to see the good in, is a gift. Thanks for sharing – and reminding. Loved your mini-ellie-montage. Beautiful!
I can’t watch Up without tearing up if not full out crying, especially the “Married Life” scene. So positively sweet.
A wonderful reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect or exciting to be a good, rich life.
Thanks for the reminder :]
I love these images and the reminder to find contentment in eternal things. I think it’s a constant struggle. I just had a long conversation about it with a teacher that I work with and neither of us came up with an answer, but we enjoyed sharing. You have a beautiful family! And, the movie Up is one of my favorites. I was raised by my grandparents so I have a huge soft spot for the elderly.
No matter what happens in life, the Lord is there, holding your hand, getting you through it! Praying!
Psalms 73:23-24 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
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great list! i will try to remember to join in this friday…