You'll Want to Remember This

Every year, our family tells my daughter the same story...

She was born on the Fourth of July. And just as she came into the world, the fireworks began. We always laugh and tell her, "The whole country was celebrating YOU!" Of course, she knows that's not really true...but after all these years, it's become one of our favorite family traditions.

Another tradition we've had since the kids were little is celebrating birthday week. Instead of focusing on one day, we celebrate the gift of their life all week long. It doesn't have to be extravagant—a favorite treat, a handwritten note, a small gift-- the real gift is spending time as a family each day for a moment.

This year, I wanted to make her 11th birthday week special in a way that fit my healing season. So each day of the week leading up to her birthday, we watched an episode (or two) of Heartland together. Not a big trip or a shopping spree. Just time together. On the last morning, we stayed in bed, watched one more episode, and celebrated with Heartland ice cream --Yes, there is actually ice cream called "Heartland."  We saw it advertised on a billboard and we looked at each other and said, "Oh YES!", we need to watch Heartland with Heartland ice cream. It was special to us so we made it happen --as part of breakfast. (shhh...)

It made us laugh. It made us slow down. It made us cherish the moment.

And somewhere between the ice cream and another episode, I found myself smiling. Not because everything in my life has changed. It hasn't. I'm still walking through my healing journey. I'm still living within the limits this season requires. But that morning reminded me of something I don't want to forget:

Joy doesn't wait until life becomes easy.

Joy shows up in ordinary moments when we're willing to notice.

Sometimes we spend so much time wishing life looked different that we miss the goodness sitting right in front of us. This summer, I'm practicing something different. I'm collecting joy—not the kind that depends on perfect circumstances, but the kind that reminds me God is faithfully present in the middle of everyday life.

A shared laugh. A favorite show. Ice cream for breakfast.

A daughter worth celebrating.

Every year, as we celebrate her birthday, fireworks light up the sky. They remind me not only of her arrival, but also of the incredible gift of freedom. I cherish every person who never knew me, yet sacrificed so that I could live mine. Thank you.

This year, I'm learning to look for the quieter sparks of joy that light up ordinary days. Those are the moments I don't want to miss.

Maybe you don't want to miss them either.

Grab a sheet of notebook paper—not your phone notes. Stay present.

At the top write: July JOY Moments

Today, write down one ordinary moment that made you smile.

Then ask yourself:

Remember...

Your brain naturally strengthens what you repeatedly notice. The more you practice looking for joy, the easier it becomes to recognize it.

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." — Psalm 118:24

Today's ordinary moment may become tomorrow's treasured memory.

Friend, don't walk through this summer alone. If you missed last month's blog, Don't Do Summer Alone, I'd love for you to start there. Then join me each week for a new blog and Tip Tuesday, and visit my Joy-Fueled Lifestyle Hub for simple encouragement, practical tools, and gentle reminders to keep choosing joy—right where you are.