a joyful noise

today i started my volunteering position. this year i am volunteering at a women's shelter. this shelter is for women coming out of domestic abuse, prostitution, prison, drug rehab, etc. it is a facility where not only the women can stay but also their children, that are under about age 12. since today was my first day i really had no idea what to expect, i had been there once before for my interview, but this was my first time interacting with the residents. and in a nut shell, my time there tonight, completely wrecked me...

i have grown up living an amazing life. i have had opportunities that very few people in the world have. i have been loved by crazy radical parents and also had a beautiful support system. where as the children and women i was with tonight have seen things and experienced things that no one should have to. they will forever be affected because of these situations. their joy has been taken from them. but tonight that is not what i experienced.

at dinner one of my new friends zoey, she is in 3rd grade, reminded me of something so important. she came up to me and asked me if i was a new resident and i replied with no i was just the new volunteer who would be there on thursday nights. she said "oh well did you know that God is your DAD, he is everyone's DAD and loves us so much!"

she had joy. so much joy. she continued to sing songs and praise God the rest of the night that i was with her. i could not help but have tears in my eyes. a young girl who has had a way harder life at such a young age than most of us ever experience has nothing but joy because she knows that God is her dad and loves her always.

so i couldnt help but think why cant i have this joy all of the time? joy like zoey a girl who cannot stop singing praise to God, her father. why do i get caught up in all of the patterns of the world? why do i let the petty drama in my life overtake and consume me? why do i get so caught up in my schedule and idolize it? why am i so worried about being accepted by people who will fade away? why cant i be like zoey and praise God out loud in every moment because he deserves it!

it is so easy to get caught up in the little and big things of our lives. but we need to keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord! it is that simple. be like zoey, so overcome with joy, that she can't help but be a joyful noise

ROMANS 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.