September E-Word: ENJOY!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Enjoy: "to take pleasure or satisfaction in."

By Krissy Kearney

I’ve been mulling over the word ENJOY for several weeks now and when it comes right down to it, it’s my heart’s desire to enjoy life. I want to enjoy my family, my children, my work and my life in general, who doesn’t? It’s difficult sometimes though wouldn’t you agree? Over the last four years I’ve really struggled to find joy. I’ve struggled emotionally, physically and spiritually.

We moved back to Topeka in 2006 after the birth of our second daughter. During my pregnancy I experienced some bad sciatic pain in my lower back, which continued for another two years. I spent many days lying on the floor watching cartoons with my kids and praying for the pain to go away. I could barely walk from the bed to the couch. Then there was the depression; some post-partum, but also some from the constant pain and not being able to be the mommy I really wanted to be. I was lonely and in my head I knew that I had to go and get out of the house so I did. I joined MOPS at TBC and tried to "put myself out there." For the first time ever I began to experience some panic attacks before going to meetings. I’d walk into my closet and freak out over what to wear. I knew that it was silly, but silly or not it was happening. At one point I said to myself "Krissy, get it together this is an attack of Satan!" I’m thankful that when I was younger I memorized lots of scripture and I could recall it when I needed to. One of my favorite verses is John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." I knew Satan wanted to steal my joy in those moments, and he seemed to be doing a good job of it.

My faith was really tested when a member of my family confessed to us a sin whose consequences affected us all. I went to visit Patty Diliberto and she reminded me that I could allow Satan victory or I could allow God to have victory in my life and in this situation. Of course I wanted God to have the victory! I read in Revelation 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." I knew that as a follower of Jesus, and with His help I would be an over-comer too. It’s been three years now since her advice and I’m taking my joy process one day at a time.

I’ve found a safe group of friends to share my struggles with and I’m praying more each day. I’m memorizing more scripture. I find such comfort in God’s word; I have it posted in places around my house to remind me of His promises. Along the way I’ve had physical therapy, spinal decompression and weight loss surgery. My back is better and so are my spirits. This summer I’m playing with and enjoying my kids like never before. Our favorite activity as a family is swimming at the beach. I love sitting in the sun watching our girls enjoy themselves. I’ve jumped rope, played hopscotch and read books this summer too. I’m trying to laugh-out-loud more.

Enjoyment of life comes from being content in your place in life. I love Psalm 16:5 which says "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." My prayer for you, and for me is that we would enjoy what the Lord has given and be thankful for all that He has provided. If your "joy" journey is still one in process like mine, let’s remember Philippians 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus!"

Women Blog

September E-Word: ENJOY!