Beach Musings - Joy

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Joy is the final word I want to share form my beach musings time with God this vacation. It came to me on May 26, the 8th birthday of my daughter Rebecca. Becky came into my life making me the father of seven (well, actually nine…we lost two to miscarriage but that’s another story). Somehow, I knew she was going to be my last child…but not last bundle of joy.

DSC04055Becky had to be turned in her mommy’s womb just prior to birth and she has been doing cartwheels ever since. We share a birth order (I was the baby of my family) and she was the only one of my children born at the same hospital as I was. She has artistic bents and seems to have my ability to make up words and terms that make her laugh and the rest of the world puzzled. Becky reminds me of joy…pure abandonment to joy.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalms 127:3-5 ESV

My children have taught me more about life than I can begin to express. Their interactions with the world that the Father has created for them reveal a world  sometimes forgotten. Covered with the dust of weariness I lose sight of the sea of imagination and wonder. Cornered by routine and duty I miss the sky of creativity and see plain clouds, instead of creatures of delight.

Our children help us back to to en-JOY-ment, slowing us down to seize upon wonder moments and seeing God in them all. That is part of the reward system the Father has set up for us parents…I thanks Him for it. Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago that I think fits. Blessings!

AS YOU GO

You step into my
imaginings
a fledgling finding
their way
without caution
As you go
I wander with you
picking dreams
chasing stars
dusting off
the weary places
with joy
A grown man
reduced to boyness
as you go

Jay Cookingham © 2003
Dedicated to all my kids

Comments

Anonymous said…
Jay... Well said... and so beautiful a sentiment.. Thanks for letting us take a peak into your world.. Much love - Las Cruz's
~*Michelle*~ said…
wow....I love that poem. I love this even more:

"Our children help us back to to en-JOY-ment, slowing us down to seize upon wonder moments and seeing God in them all. That is part of the reward system the Father has set up for us parents"

beautifully expressed. And I thank you for sharing this....prompting me to thank Him again today.
Unknown said…
Irene and Michelle, I soooo appreciate your comments. Thanks for sharing them!

Jay
Duane Scott said…
I love how you wrote about joy through your daughter's eyes. You wrote that often the words she makes up leave the world confused. That's a little bit like joy. If we have it, people are slightly confused and jealous of it.

Great scripture reference.
JoAnne Bennett said…
I definitely agree with your sentiments, "Slowing us down to seize upon wonder moments and seeing God in them all." That's one of the reasons I love children. They keep life so real with their innocent hearts :). Thanks for sharing Jay.
Unknown said…
Duane and JoAnne...thanks for dropping by and leaving such wonderful insight!

Peace,
Jay
S. Etole said…
really, really like the imagery here ...
Unknown said…
S. Etole...thank you!
Fatha Frank said…
Jay,
Just what I needed after a hard long-weekend where I allowed my kids, no, I take that back, allowed things they did to rob me of my joy. They ARE a joy. I always need that reminder.
Unknown said…
Fatha, so true...that's a great reminder.

Jay
Bonnie Gray said…
Jay,

Thanks for taking the time to stop and share the promise that encourages you ... I replied on the blog.. but, wanted to stop by.

I'm a mom of 2 boys under 5, so I am thankful what you wrote today is true... even if it is a lot of work! :)

I wrote about joy as well today! ... It's important to seek it out.. in these tough times.
Unknown said…
Bonnie, I thank you for coming by and dropping a few encouraging words my way!

Peace,
Jay

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