When I was a kid, I was far more adventurous. I recently took my youngest son and our little cousin to the local amusement park. They were eager to try all sorts of rides, that I was not. Although I let them do most rides, those rides, I did not participate in. Although I remember the days when I too was like them. The faster, the better. The tilt a whirl ride, I would make spin more. Now just watching it stops me in my tracks. I am definitely not that wild, young carefree girl I used to be. Although I love sitting back and watching their big smiles and listening to their laughter. I didn’t get it as a kid. How a lot of the adults used to just find joy and watching me, as a kid, have fun. But I get it now. I had my years of youth. Now I find joy in watching my children have fun. That doesn’t go to say I don’t ride any rides or have any fun. It’s just different now. No matter how much fun I have, I will always have more fun seeing the joy in my children’s faces, even more than my own. Perspective frequently changes with age. I used to find my joy in things that brought me joy. Now, I find that most of my joy comes from seeing joy in my loved ones faces. Friend, joy isn’t about just what makes us happy, but others too. May we find our joy first and foremost in God and also in seeing others happy too.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Romans 12:15 NIV

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.