Playing Cinderella

I spent a large portion of my teens and early twenties plastered to a television or stuck in a book. My favorites were the romantic comedies, the romantic action stories, the romantic.... you get the picture. I was enamored of the idea of Prince Charming and the Rescue from Drudgery or Persecution and the idea of Happily Ever After. I was even enamored with the idea of a less-than-perfect Prince Charming (because the writers of fiction would have us believe that Jerk=Charming).

Pinterest

Well, as I've grown (physically, mentally, and spiritually) I've stopped watching television and reading novels. Unfortunately, I haven't completely stopped looking for the Happily Ever After (and the Lack of Drudgery that is supposed to accompany it). And so I waste large portions of time wishing my life was "better" and complaining about my lack of "happiness" and my prince who is sometimes a jerk.

But I've discovered that the media has it all wrong. And so do I. I have fallen for the lie. Because what constitutes real happiness (true joy) is not a Castle and a Prince and a Life of Ease. True joy comes through service, through being a help and not a hindrance, a blessing rather than a curse. True joy is choosing to look at the bright side and seeing and encouraging the growth in grace of Prince Imperfect, the royal children, and every single other "jerk" I meet.

The King of the Universe chose a life of service rather than the riches and honor due Him. He stepped down from the throne to serve those who didn't love him, those who were often downright evil, those who eventually killed Him. He found His joy in leaving the castle, not staying in it.

I want to do that. I want to scrub the floor with a smile, listen to whining without losing my temper (or even my joy), and disagree with Prince Jerk (after all, am I not Mrs. Jerk more often than I care to admit?) without starting a war. I want to choose a Life of Service over a Life of Ease.

Staying by my bucket,
JJ

New Beginnings

What does one say when she steps out on a new path in life? A new business, a new blog, a new step in uncharted territory. I've wanted to do this for some time, but fear kept me back. That, and a lack of a reason. Now I have a reason. A new business venture, doing something I love for a reason beyond money-making.

I've opened a shop on Etsy: Shear Joy Yarns. I love to dye yarn, but my stash is full, beyond full. I don't knit fast enough to use it all, but I still desperately want to dye yarn. Plus I make stitch markers, but really, how many does one woman need? And then there is the sewing. What's a girl to do?

Sell them. That way her husband quits giving her "the eye" because she owns enough yarn to open a store. That way her children stop teasing her (nicely, of course) for running around with multi-colored fingers.

And the reason? I want to go on a mission trip. I want to go back to school. I want to serve my Lord with my whole heart, and soul, and mind, and strength.

Want to walk with me?
JJ