Finding Joy in the Unexpected

A few weeks ago, the phone rang. It was one of those calls. The unexpected ones. My husband had been hurt at work. It was a bad accident that could have been tragic.

Through God’s mercy, he walked away from the incident. He ended up on light duty for a month, and had therapy 3 days a week for 6 weeks. This put him pretty much out of commission at home. The first few days I was patient, kind, loving and all those things a “good” wife should be. Then, after the first week turned into to two, I became tired, “sick of it” and wore down.

To many times, unexpected events can take our joy. We often times choose to dwell on all the things we can’t do, or all things that can and do go wrong. This is what I was doing at that time. I had to sit down (write this post) and really think about the ways I could find joy in our unexpected circumstances.

I could complain about the fact that my husband was unable to do the yard work, or I could choose joy and be thankful that I was able to learn something new. I had never started or used a push mower before, or our riding mower. I can now proudly take that task when my hubby needs me to. I could also choose gratitude for a healthy younger brother who was able and willing to come and do the work I was unable to complete.

I could complain about the lack of overtime and shorter hours, or be thankful that after months of crazy hours he was home in time for dinner every night.

I could be annoyed over water glasses on the table, dishes next to the bed, and one shoe in the middle of the floor. Or, I could thank God that he was still around to leave those messes around the house.

I could get weighed down over a bank account that was smaller than it was before, or I could choose contentment over the fact that our bills are paid, we have food in the fridge, and gas in our cars.

Yes, this accident was unexpected. Yes, it led us both on a journey we had never been on before. But, instead of dwelling on the unexpected and allowing it to rob me of my peace, I learned that I needed to choose gratitude, thankfulness, contentment and joy for all the blessings the Lord still provided us with.

What about you? Have you ever had an unexpected incident try to steal your joy?