the first post

It's always the hardest thing to do - begin. Where to start? What to say? How to say it? Whether it be a blank canvas, a piece of paper or a letter, it's always hard to know how to get the ball rolling. Especially if you are a bit rusty - it's been awhile since i've sat down and put my thoughts and ideas out there.
So maybe i will begin with an explaination of the blog title and see where it goes. Now, "everyday joy" may sound like a cute little title, something you might find on a Japanese notebook cover or the title to a self help book. But it does have a story, and it is because of this story that i chose it as a title.
Most of my life i have had mild depression. There have been times when it has become even more than mild. But about 5 years ago i hit rock bottom. There was no one particular reason. I just lost the will to live and life had absolutely no colour in it. Thanks to prayer, some very supportive friends and a helpful GP i was able to climb out of it. But i felt very weak - almost like i had to relearn everything. I prayed to God that he would help me to find joy again - every day. God has more than answered that request. Since then i met the love of my life and married him and we now have a beautiful healthy boy who is 4 months old. I have changed jobs and have made new friends and have had many fun times with them.
But it doesn't always have to be something big. It can be something as simple as a random conversation with a stranger on a bus or watching a butterfly whilst sitting in the garden. At the end of every day i think over what has been a joy, and even though it might not have been a great day, i can always find something that makes me smile and be happy to be alive. Indeed, it says in Proverbs 17:22 that a joyful heart is good medicine. 


Even in the midst of suffering and pain, i have been able to find some joy. Early last year i suffered from a miscarriage early on in a much longed for pregnancy. Yet during this time my husband was gentle and kind and held me up and gave me a reason to get up every day. He understood exactly what i needed. He made me smile and laugh even though i was upset and angry and disappointed. Wonderful friends sent lovely cards and chocolate and were willing to listen if needed. So i was able to get through what could have been a potentially very difficult time.
One of my favourite passages in the bible is this : "The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all of his bones; not one of them is broken. Psalm 34:18-20. There is a joy in knowing that God is holding me up and always has, and that he understands.