Joy is a state of mind

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

IMG_0054A friend recently asked me while enjoying the charms of my toddler, “Does he bring you endless joy?”  I immediately answered, “No.  He brings me endless exhaustion.”

I was half-heartedly joking, but my comment replayed in my mind a few days later as Micah hugged me from behind and said, “I cuddle Mommy.  I love you.”  In that moment while my heart melted, I reflected on the fact that I am not grateful enough for this little life that has been entrusted in my care.

Sure, his energy level needs no Red Bull.  Yes, he is cheeky to the bone.  The white hairs on my head definitely appeared as his terrible twos began.

But he also has the cheesiest smile.  And a great sense of humour.  When he cries, he covers his face with his hands and weeps in a way that breaks your heart.

He makes up his own songs: “More cars, five cars, all gone, no cars.”   He dances jigs.  He tells Roy, “Good job, daddy, driving” and asks me, “Mommy sleep well?” with a sweetness that melts ice cream.

I asked God to help me be more grateful – and thus more joyful –  for my children this year.

Joy is a state of mind.

We all can count our woes and complaints.  But really, when we pause to remember, we have much to be thankful for – and to rejoice in!

When the Bible writer Paul said to “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4), he was in prison.  He was not looking at his loss of liberty or potential death.  He chose to focus on the “peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Phil 4:7) and the gift of love and community that his fellow Christians provided  through their letters and visits (Phil 4:10).  His joy was a choice that renewed and multiplied, resulting in a contagious Christianity that changed the world.

How different my days and relationships would be if I embraced such joy!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 1 comments

bumblebeeTraveling used to be fun.  The first few times I flew, I felt so grown-up (I was 16-years-old) and privileged.  Now, as a pregnant mother of a toddler, traveling is a necessary evil to reunite with my family in the USA.

I thought I was prepared.  I had researched on Pinterest and made “toddler traveling packs” that included little games, new toys, and activities I thought would occupy my active 2.5-year-old for at least 5 hours out of the 44 hours in the air in the next 3 weeks.

I either underestimated how active my son truly is or overestimated how engaging my packs were.  After a few hours, I was completely out of options and desperate to keep Micah in his seat.  Fortunately, it was Roy’s turn to watch Micah and he pulled down a suitcase full of toys that I did not know Roy had packed after he had peeked at my packs.  Unfortunately, he was not able to keep Micah entertained for more than a few hours, either.

By the sixth hour, I was praying for divine intervention.  Despite having skipped his nap, Micah did not fall asleep until the 14th hour (about 1 am Melbourne time).  Of course, we had to wake him up a few hours later to land in LA and transfer to our Seattle flight.  I honestly wondered if I would survive the trip.

Sometimes, life can feel like one long exhausting plane ride.  Your assigned seat is uncomfortable, you may not have likeable seat mates, and yes, there are turbulences along the way.  There’s only so much entertainment can do to make the journey pleasant.  Sometimes, life is just not what we thought it would be. 

But what makes it worth it is the destination.  Where are we headed?  Why are we on the journey in the first place? Who’s waiting on the other side? 

When we finally reached the baggage claim at the Seattle airport, Roy’s dad was waiting for us.  Micah pointed and said, “Seattle grandpa!”  Grandpa’s face was all smiles as he embraced Micah, Roy, then me.  Seeing his elation is what will probably make me do this trip again, against my better judgment, in the future.

It’s been a pleasure spending time with my brother-in-law, his wife, and my nephews, one of whom is only two-weeks-old.  I am not so fond of the two dogs that keep barking at us, but that’s a story for another time.

I can’t wait to see my parents and sister again in just 4 more days, after another plane ride.  And in a few weeks I will be eager to return to Melbourne, to our home, friends, and church family.

So I will get on the next flight.  I will book another itinerary.  I will keep traveling, as long as I know that love is waiting for me at the end of the journey.

I hope that no matter how difficult life may get, that we will always remember that Love is waiting for us at the end of our journeys – He will be thrilled to see us, His wounded arms will be open wide for an embrace, and His words will be, “Welcome home.”

Cleaning House

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

We have been cleaning the house.

The pantry has finally been organised; we discovered 8 different packets of rice paper stashed in various shelves.  Our two office areas are now clutter-free.  Even Micah’s toys are tucked out of sight in boxes and bags.

We felt it was about time – not only because it is the end of the year, but because we are anticipating guests next year.

The New Year is also a great time to do some soul-cleansing.  What habits need to be thrown out?  What thoughts recycled?  What memories need to be stored away?  Which priorities need to be assessed?  Are there any relationships that need to be restored or renewed?

Remember that every day we have a reason for our transformation:

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.  Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great if Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:21-24

May God’s compassion and faithfulness inspire us to trust in Him daily in 2016.