Where Joy Really Is

Life rapidly shifted in the course of 12 months. A move took me from an exciting job in a New York City high-rise, full of events and autonomy and visible deliverables, to this… this living room floor hundreds of miles away. 

I sat there with my two babies in the dated rental house. The next big event on my calendar was nap time.

I had chosen this career change and, truly, felt intense gratitude for the chance to be home with our children, but that didn’t exempt me from bouts of loneliness and exhaustion that come with the job. And what felt like so little to show for all my exertion!

But then, right there on the floor, something hit me. “God, if in your presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), then joy can be here, even in this.”  True, deep, exhilarating joy! It felt like a revelation. Joy was not dependent on my circumstance, but on the Lord’s presence. Incredible.

Changing Diapers? Playing peek-a-boo? Washing dishes? Be my vision, Lord. Captivate me with your work all around me, that I might not be captive to others' approval or validation.

In the end, it’s joy I’m really after, what we’re all after, and it’s right here with You. 

It was a gift to write A Liturgy for Unseen Labor for the new Every Moment Holy III based on old journal entries and notes jotted down during those formative years.

The full prayer, along with prayers by many others, can be found here. I think you will really love the book.

An excerpt:

Nothing is unknown to you, Lord, and you know

that my labors often go unrecognized.

At times, this has disheartened me.

Yet this I believe: to work is a valuable gift.

You’ve placed me here with an opportunity

to tend these tasks for your glory

and for the good of your children.

May I not be blind to the beauty before me.

Be thou my vision, Lord.

For in your sight the task at hand becomes an act of worship. 

Holy Spirit, meet me in this work 

with the power of your presence, for in your 

presence is the fullness of joy.

Yes, there may be joy here also, even in this.

How much of your work, O God, is 

unnoticed? How often do I neglect to thank you?

Indeed, the world revolves around your unseen acts. 

Yet despite our lack of acknowledgement, you 

are constant in care and unceasing in service. 

May I humbly follow this pattern.

As I go about my work today, 

give me eyes to see you at work in the world.

Establish the work of my 

hands, not for my name but for yours, 

that these labors might bring 

blessing from trial,

peace from chaos,

justice from abuse,

and beauty from its lack.

I give you my work as an offering. Do with it as you will.

For my deepest satisfaction comes not from 

being seen by others, but from being 

profoundly and forever seen 

and known by you.