Spring Cleaning for the Soul #12

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24 KJV

Day 12: Nurture Joy in the Small Moments

SIDE NOTE: I decided this will be the last chapter for Spring Cleaning for the Soul series so that we can move on to something new.

In today's Spring Cleaning for Your Soul challenge, we'll put into practice the art of seeking and finding JOY in the small and seemingly insignificant moments of our day.

Being JOYFUL has everything to do with being present. Think of the beauty of the spring season that is unfolding before us. That beauty comes on slowly at first, yet is fleeting. The fleeting quality of spring demands that we stay present if we are to fully experience and enjoy the moment.

The tiny green buds on the trees don't rush through their process to become leaves bursting forth from branches. Instead, they take all of the time that they need to become fully prepared and ready before emerging into their new life form.

The flowers, too, each make their gradual, timed entrance into the symphony of color, scent, and texture that is springtime on earth.

Likewise, if you long for a deeper and more connected life experience, then you must master the practiced art of slowing down and living in the present.

If you're tired of rushing through your every minute, and you long to really savor each drop of precious nectar that is your life, then teach yourself how to slow down and live more mindfully.

Mindfulness in your relationships could look like creating some fun traditions that encourage you to spend time with your family and friends.

Mindfulness in your spiritual life could look like spending time in quietness with God, offering Him praises, reflecting upon all His goodness toward you and your family, rejoicing over the blessings, and presenting your requests before your Heavenly Father.

Mindfulness in your work life could be taking that extra step to make sure the job is done right, and not rushing or taking shortcuts.

Journaling Exercise: How Will You Nurture Meaningfulness into Your Moments?

Pick up your pen and writing pad; it's time to sit with your thoughts in a meaning-filled journaling moment.

Write down five activities that you take pleasure in during your everyday life.

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Are you finding time to be mindful in these special moments? Or are you rushing to the end, or becoming distracted and disconnected?

For example, do you take your kids to the park but then sit glancing at your smartphone the whole time? (You’re missing the moment.)

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What can you do differently to make your family time at the park more pleasurable, connected, and a joy-filled experience? How can you help yourself stay mindful and present?

(Perhaps doing a needed chore right before you go to the park will help you feel relaxed so that you can enjoy the moment instead of worrying about your to-do list.)

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Decide what you might be able to do differently in order to prolong the enjoyment of your favorite activities. Jot down some ideas to follow.

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Take action: Set Your Intention:

Commit to the activities that you listed in your prior journal example. Follow through by engaging fully each time you do something that you’ve made plans to enjoy, either alone or with family and friends.

Enjoy the moment… enjoy life… be all present…be all there.

Bible Verses to Reflect Upon about being Joyful & Rejoicing:

Psalms 5:11 - But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalms 16:9 - Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalms 28:7 - The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 30:5 - For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalms 64:10 - The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.

Psalms 100:2 - Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Psalms 104:34 - My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.

Psalms 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Isaiah 65:18 - But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

John 16:24 - Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice evermore.

1 Peter 1:8 - Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: