By Wendy Blissett, Perimeter School mom of three boys

In our busy lives, it is sometimes a challenge to find joy in everyday things. We can usually find joy in the bigger things, like the birth of a child or a success at work, simply because they are more noticeable. Small things, such as reading with your child or time with a friend, can also easily bring joy. With the start of school and this year’s focus on joy, I am reminded that joy can be found everywhere. Even in the day-to-day, mundane, less-than-joyful things – such as a really early alarm clock, a new schedule, and more to-dos on our list – there can be joy. 

having the right perspective

Having joy is simply a matter of perspective, and having the right perspective is a choice.

to experience true joy, we must to choose to trust Jesus in ALL things. Trusting Him with all things allows us to see the joy He desires for us.

We must trust Him with all that comes with a new school year – new classes, new friends, more meetings, different carpools, more homework, bigger projects, and crazier schedules. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A joyful heart is good medicine,” so waking up each morning and choosing to trust Jesus with all that lies before us is just the prescription we need to experience His joy. 

a sweet experience of joy

One of the sweet experiences of joy that I cherish every year is the Mother Son Adventure. It is a special time for us moms to connect with our boys!  Although this event has typically been toward the end of school year, this year, it falls at the beginning when many of us feel like we are drinking from a fire hose. While we can easily justify being too busy to attend, I believe these are the times that are the most important – one-on-one time spent together that will leave our hearts full. Let me encourage all of us to choose to take this time to engage with our boys.

The theme of the Mother Son Adventure this year is Star Wars. It reminds me of the overall theme in the movies – the Jedi’s choice between the light and dark sides of the force. Jesus is a true, living, joyful force. Let’s put our trust in Him to help us choose joy this school year!