Just Being Here

I was having my quiet time this morning, and it was just that…nice and quiet.

I stepped out of the room for a few minutes and when I came back, this is what I saw.

“Aaron,” I asked, “what are you doing on the bed?”

“I’m just being right here,” he flatly answered.

I had to smile.  He certainly was just being right there.  He didn’t care one bit that he was messing up the bed that I try to keep all tidy and neat and unwrinkled.  He didn’t care one bit that he was interrupting my quiet time. 

Aaron is right here in our lives every day.  He is right here because God has placed him here. 

No matter where we go, with or without Aaron, he is right here in our lives and in our thoughts…in our planning…in our EVERYTHING.

Yesterday he was right here, in the Wal-Mart aisle as I turned the corner, happily oblivious to any thought that he was most unusual as he knelt on the floor to retrieve his favorite candy.

He was right here recently after a night of seizures, waiting for me to pray before he ate his fried eggs, and we watched an episode of The Waltons.

And more often than I enjoy, Aaron is also right here in his autistic frustrations that interrupt our life and often dictate our routines. 

Just like that crumpled bedding that once was smooth, Aaron can most definitely cause lots of wrinkles in what was at one point a smooth and happy day.

How I handle my emotions during those many moments is up to me, which is why I was SO excited to find this picture recently that I instantly knew MUST go above my quiet time desk.

Today I choose joy!

Not because I have some super perfect power to do so.

But because I know the One Who does have the power to give me joy.

Oh, trust me, I lose my temper and I get very frustrated and all the other “stuff” that comes with being human.

But Jesus is right beside me with His forgiveness and with His nudging toward joy.

How about you?  What is right here in your life that is hard?  Make a conscious effort to choose joy and just see what God will do for you.

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10)

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

31 thoughts on “Just Being Here”

  1. Ok, Patty, how did you know I needed this today? Choosing joy is the best choice! Thank you for this reminder, and I’m looking for that poster in my town. I need that constant reminder to “CHOOSE JOY!” Hugs across the miles!

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  3. Today I choose joy! What a wonderful reminder and gem you found. It is so easy to get caught in toxic emotions sand frustration and so wonderful to let the joy bubble up inside of us. Trials purify us. God is looking at you, Patty, and saying how he takes great joy in how you and your coming through refined like pure gold! Hugs!

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  4. Patty, I think we often need to make a constant effort to choose joy. Joy is my word of the year this year. I love your sign! I am making an effort to embrace joy, daily. Peace and Blessings! 🌺

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  6. That’s great, Patty. I love the picture but also the reminder that chosing joy is always possible, no matter how bleak our circumstances may be. Yes, I choose joy!!

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  7. Great post!!

    Choosing joy is so much deeper than happiness, happiness is just too simple …but joy is warmly felt when my heart is closely committed to God…and just like your sign implies it’s definitely a choice!! Choosing joy draws me to Him!

    Great thought provoking post! And awe Aaron…I love his mannerisms, sayings, and behaviors…and that devotional thoughts derive from them!!!❤️

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    1. So true, Alicia. I can have joy even when I’m not happy, and that only comes through God’s work in my heart and spirit. Sometimes with Aaron I have to make myself choose joy and other times it just bubbles up because he’s so precious. Most days hold both! 😄 Blessings to you!

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  10. Beautiful post Patty. So much truth here. We must choose joy, regardless of the circumstances. I enjoyed this, thanks for the needed reminder and the encouragement. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

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